Chevy & GMC Vans

Owning a modded Jeep , and just sold my VW eurovan westfalia ,with wich I did a 4 months roadtrip in the US ,,,,,
the only bad side , was that I coulndt go to some boondocking spots due to the fact that the trails where to rough to drive my westfalia ......

My next project is either an Astro/Safari Awd or a Express/Savana Awd .....

it would be moderately lifted with bigger tires ,an it would be converted into a camper .

I just cant make my mind .....
my westfalia was aproxmetely the same size then an Astro/Safari van .....and I felt it was a little small .
The Express/Savana being a little bigger in size it might suit my needs ....
I dont intend to do any hard trails ( witdh )

your advices : positive or négatives about owning any of these vehicles are welcome !

p.s: I`m mecanic by trade and I do all my mods .......

thanks

Dan

Hey Dan.
Welcome... Are you worried about the cost of fuel, cuz for me thats the #1 reason I dont have the Express awd.
I have seen a few around with mud tires, and similar lifts to our beloved StroFari vans and they are way cool.
I especially like the cargo express with the barn doors on the drivers side and pass side.
Mike.

Honestly, they are both good vans. I prefer the Astro AWDs because of size, number of vehicles produced with AWD, existing aftermarket lifts and MPG.

Grumpy on road trips usually doing 5 mph over the limit, I'm able to get 19 mpg.

Green stock was able to get 22 mpg on our Alaska trip.

Depending on how off road you are planning on driving you might consider a 2WD and adding a limited slip or locking diff.

you woulndt believe how many hours of search Ive done yet ....


yes fuel mileage is a priority ..........

my friends has a 98 6.5TD diesel express he gets real 11L /100 kilos = 22 mpg us
but then id prefer a more recent van ...but they came only with 4.8 or 5.3L V8 .....no $$$$ for a duramax van !

unless i put my cummins 6BT in there .......quite a job

Id prefer the astro/safari for agility .....and looks ,but a little small to pass 4 months like we did last year .....

the express being 74" wide Inside I could sleep within 48" of floor length .....

so many things to think about !

For me, my highest priority was mobility. I'll compromise camp space for maneuverability in the mountains.

I'd assume for what $ you got for your EuroWesty, you could build one helluva an Astro. Being in Quebec, I'd look for an AWD Astro Safari Condo. It's a westy floor plan pop top.

If I get an Astro/safari ,it will definitely be an AWD
and I would leave it awd becuase it`s lighter then a big van !


there is some awd safaricondo that are similar to a westfalia .....but they are quite expensive

The Shorties are the best for trail maneuverability.
The rear approach angle is way better, and the bumper doesn't hit the ground as easy like the EXT vans.
Of course they are shorter inside too :|

bigdan wrote:If I get an Astro/safari ,it will definitely be an AWD
and I would leave it awd becuase it`s lighter then a big van !


there is some awd safaricondo that are similar to a westfalia .....but they are quite expensive

I would think it's an even money swap, EuroWesty for Safari Condo, no? :-k

I mean, you are talking Westy, not Weekender, right?

Hmm... I have been on the fence about what to replace my van with for a couple years now. Here is what I have compiled so far.

After 8 years of ownership my '03 AWD SLE gets 13.5 mpg winter and 14.1 in the summer. I find it a little underpowered and under braked when towing my boat ( 18.5' Bayliner ). Otherwise its been solid. The AWD is great for even the steep loose gravel boat launch and a blast in the snow. Seats pop in and out fairly easy ( although a little heavy )

Friends 2011 AWD Express Van is his work truck ( electrician) with 180 thousand kms on it now. He had a 99 AWD Astro from new until this van and put over 600 thousand kms on the Astro with only reg maintenance and a trans rebuild at 400k. He carries around 1500 lbs minimum at all times ( tools, parts, ect ).
The Express is 3/4 Tonne, 5.3 motor. He averages 12.5 mpg in winter and 14 in the summer.

Astro is appx 4500 lbs
Express is appx 5800 lbs
There is a little more space and a little more power in the express. Brakes are better in the express. I like the handing of the Astrofari better than the Express myself.

Myself I am still on the fence about replacing my van. Its paid for and not worth much to trade in so I anticipate another 2 years of service before its going to be replaced. Barring catastrophic failure I figure it will get replaced by either an AWD Express / Yukon or a Short Wheelbase 2WD passenger Mercedes Sprinter ( the dodge version seems to have rust issues ). If I had the $$ the 2015 Diesel Suburban would fit my needs nicely !

I researched this choice for about 6 months. Here are my conslusions based on the 2007-2009 AWD

Pros:
1)Space-(duh)
2)Larger rear axle
3)Full time AWD (no computer/clutch drama). Viscous clutch
4)Higher clearance stock
5)5.3L motor. Best and toughest chevy ever made.
6)4L80 transmission vs. 4l60 (may be 4L85). Still rebuildable by you in your garage. Found everywhere.


Cons:
1)Limited aftermarket support
2)More expensive tires
3)high priced and hard to find a good condition van without "flying and driving".
4)Not heavy duty (all AWD's are 1500 series)
5)Big
6)They don't blend in like astros
7) Some have reported that the van is "flexy".
8) Some have reported electrical gremlins related to a poor ground/positive due to water issue
9) When empty, barely fit into a 7 foot standard suburban garage.


Good luck!