Needing a new tv, looking for suggestions

[MommaMia]

We have a 93 Ford Explorer, bought very used.  It's done well for us but it seems like it's gotten to that point where more than one biggish problem is popping up at a time and it's startling to snowball...rust around running boards, rear brakes, universal joint,ac stopped blowing cold (it blows, I can hear compressor but nothing cold) and now the transmission is slipping, getting worse each week.

I think it's going to be some big bucks to get all of these things in good order and I think it's a waste to put all that $ into a car this old and one that's sarting a bad case of rust.

So, I'd like to pick up another used tv.  In the past we had a 96 Dodge Grand Caravan.... won't go there again.  While I like the size of it for our family of 5, it turned into a money sucker with problem after problem.  Some minor weird things like the wiper would come on by themselves for no reason to major thing like replacing ac compressor and having 2 separate transmissions blow in less than 3 months and we never towed a thing with it!  
I really don't want another minivan.  As a note, Our camper is an 84 Starcraft Constellation, 12 foot box.

Now that we have a much bigger (and heavier )pup than before I want something beefier.  No way we can afford something like an Expedition or Excursion or Suburban.  Besides camping we will be road tripping at least 9 hours frequently and I'd like some good elbow room and comfort.  DH is 6'5" so We need something with lots of head room.

I want a high top conversion van.  For the size and amenities, they seem to be really, really reasonably priced.  Seems something like a 95/96 v8 runs around $5000.

Anyone have any thoughts about Conversion Vans?  Anyone have one?  What should I look for?  Stay away from?  Which conversion companys have high quality work?  Seem like I see the name Regency a lot....

[tlhdoc]

A conversion van sounds perfect for you.  With the kids having a TV/VCR would be great for traveling and you could spread them out.  You would need to find out the towing capacity, if it has tranny cooler, etc. needed for towing.  Good luck.

[MtnCamper]

The ONLY downside to a conversion, is the weight of the conversion comes off the tow rating. The basic van was built and assigned a tow rating, then you have to subtract the weight of the conversion. But you're lucky and popups aren't all that heavy. So you should be fine.

[OC Campers]

I haven't owned one personally but my Aunt and Uncle own a late
90's Ford Econoline with a V8.  They tow a 29ft tt with it and
really like it.  It doesn't have a bubble top but it is very roomy.
My uncle is 6"6 and my aunt is 6".  I have been in it many times
and I am 6"1 and have plenty of room (even in the rear seat).
 
Jacqui

[ForestCreature]

Cindy,
 If you are thinking Full sized van, Take a look at the Club Wagons. While conversions are very nice, there is a big lack of cargo space in them. Packing them can be a bear.  I had a conversion before the Club Wagon I have now. The difference of what they hold is like night and day. And don't go for the little 8, go 5.8 triton (if it's a Ford) on the motor or you may end up sorry.
 We have had several Ford vans, DH used them in his delivery service. Always got 200,000 easy out of them one even 300,000 in each case it wasn't the motor that went first.

[4campinfoxes]

We love our Ford E-150.  It has plenty of towing capacity for what we tow.  And plenty of room for our kids, dogs & all the stuff.

My mian advice to you would be to make sure whatever you buy has a towing capacity that is well above what you tow.  Alot easier on the transmission & alot safer.

Sharon

[wynot]

For the age you're looking at, you really might want to look at a Suburban or Tahoe.  You get a roomy, comfortable vehicle probably a bit more geared up for towing than most conversion vans, which seem to be maxed at 5,000 lbs at best.  Another problem I have seen with friends who tow with conversion vans is that the tow hitch is mounted so low that you drag on certain roads and driveways.

Even though I see a FL address, we have been glad to have available 4WD for less than perfect campgrounds.  I've used it more in soft sand, and gravel than I have in snow.  Ours is AutoTrac which means it can be run in an 'on demand' mode, which is handy for heavy rains, twisty wet, leaf strewn roads, etc..

We looked hard at conversion vans, and ended up with a SUV (00 Tahoe with towing package) that was more comfortable, and a bit more fuel efficient than a full size conversion (not high top).  Ours has a choice, you can seat 7 or carry cargo, but either way, we are so much happier with it.  Elbow room - no problem - this is the most comfortable traveling vehicle we've ever had, and head room is not a problem.

[jstaddwtr]

We are biased but we also liked the club wagons.  You can get four bucket seats and removable rear bench plus alot more room in the rear to carry stuff then in a conversion.  Watch e-bay for price comparisons.  We have somthjing called the Traveler series which is Fords OEM version of a conversion van, except that everything including the vcr and screens comes form Ford.  This version also comes eith the tow package.  We also have a family of 5 and never have problems with space.  Never have problems with towing.  In the winter we simply put weight over the rear axle and it drives fine.

Good luck!

[MommaMia]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and recommendations!  We are looking into all our options!  I'd love to hear from more of you!

[MommaMia]

I saw a really nice looking van pull into a parking spot near me at Target last night. It didn't have a for sale sign or anything but I stopped the guy as he was going into the store just to ask him about it.  He was happy to let me check it out.  Turns out he has been new car shopping and was disappointed at what the dealers were offering him for trade in on the van he was now driving. So he put off his new car shopping for a while and intended to keep the van.

We spoke at length about all his experiences with this van.  Mostly positive, very few complaints.   It's a 96 Ford Mark III with all options.  Didn't get into detail about engine size, etc... I just basically wanted to know what he liked about his van... features I should look for.

The van was gorgeous.  Spotless. Very well appointed.  Beautiful, shiny wood trim, mood lights, 2 tvs, one with VCP one for DVD.  2 seperate stereo systems (Bose).  Built in coolers, leather seats, 4 captains chairs,electric fold down rear bench seat (that looks more like a couch) that turns into a bed. Cargo are is about what the Explore has.  This van was garaged up until 3 months ago when the owners moved to smaller place. It has just 55K miles on it.  He said it had all options and a tow package.

We went our seperate ways in Target.  After about 20 mins of shopping, the guy came around the corner of an isle and said "There you are!!!"  He gave me his phone # and said if we were interested in taking a closer look he's willing to sell it to us.

Dh is very curious.  Told me to call the guy to see if we can go look at it this weekend. I'll keep you updated.

[birol]

I saw a really nice looking van pull into a parking spot near me at Target last night. It didn't have a for sale sign or anything but I stopped the guy as he was going into the store just to ask him about it.  He was happy to let me check it out.  Turns out he has been new car shopping and was disappointed at what the dealers were offering him for trade in on the van he was now driving. So he put off his new car shopping for a while and intended to keep the van.

We spoke at length about all his experiences with this van.  Mostly positive, very few complaints.   It's a 96 Ford Mark III with all options.  Didn't get into detail about engine size, etc... I just basically wanted to know what he liked about his van... features I should look for.

The van was gorgeous.  Spotless. Very well appointed.  Beautiful, shiny wood trim, mood lights, 2 tvs, one with VCP one for DVD.  2 seperate stereo systems (Bose).  Built in coolers, leather seats, 4 captains chairs,electric fold down rear bench seat (that looks more like a couch) that turns into a bed. Cargo are is about what the Explore has.  This van was garaged up until 3 months ago when the owners moved to smaller place. It has just 55K miles on it.  He said it had all options and a tow package.

We went our seperate ways in Target.  After about 20 mins of shopping, the guy came around the corner of an isle and said "There you are!!!"  He gave me his phone # and said if we were interested in taking a closer look he's willing to sell it to us.

Dh is very curious.  Told me to call the guy to see if we can go look at it this weekend. I'll keep you updated.

What a coincidince !  SOmetimes if things are meant to be, they just happen by themselves ! Good luck !

[Cadeuses]

Cindy.... any updates?

I know what it's like trying to find that "perfect" vehicle to replace the one that just died.   :eek:   I just went through that whole scenario myself and ended up buying new.

Anyway I wish you good fortune in finding the match for your PU/PeopleHauler needs!

Did you get the Conversion?  Inquiring minds don't like to wait!;)
Have a great day!

[MommaMia]

I spoke with wife of guy with van at Target on fri.  She said he wouldn't be in this past weekend. Guy was  driving from Fl to get his 98 yo mom in Nc.  She cracked her pelvis. OOch!  He rented a car because he doesn't like to put too many miles on the van.

She said to call him on Monday around lunch time.  I'll keep you updated.  I have a really good feeling about this.

[MommaMia]

I spoke with wife of guy with van at Target on fri.  She said he wouldn't be in this past weekend. Guy was  driving from Fl to get his 98 yo mom in Nc.  She cracked her pelvis. OOch!  He rented a car because he doesn't like to put too many miles on the van.

She said to call him on Monday around lunch time.  I'll keep you updated.  I have a really good feeling about this.

I spoke with wife this afternoon.  Her hubby was out.  She said he would call this evening.


He just called.  Apparently he had told his wife that if I called when he was out, tell me that he didn't want to sell the van.  Wife never said anything about not selling.

On his way home from work, he was thinking more about me and the van and how much he wanted a new car and he wished he hadn't told his wife to tell me he wasn't selling.  He got home, found out the wife never told me and he called me to say he's going new car shopping and the van will be available to us when he finds a new car he likes.  He said he would have the van spotless by Sat so we can really get a good look and take it for a ride.

Seems like you may be right Birol.... sometimes things are just meant to be.   I'll keep you updated.

[jstaddwtr]

We suggest you look at the e-bay under e-vans.  It will give you a good idea of prices and equipment.  
We liked this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2442873710&category=6224  

Good luck with your purchase.