Conversion Vans

jboater · November 2000

I once owned a '93 GMC/Starcraft. I had a problem with the pin stripping tape coming off. I think (?) it may have been a 3M product. In any event, it happened while still within the Starcraft warranty period. Starcraft stepped up to the plate without hesitation, and paid a local shop for the removal of the entire stripping on the van and the installation of all new stripping. The adhesive apparently was bad.
My experience with Starcraft was a good one. I'd certainly consider buying again.

rwharcha · November 2000

Thanks, Russ.

walc · November 2000

I recently purchased a brand new 1999 GMC Savanna 1500 Gulf Stream conversion van.
It was unsold after 1.5 years on the dealer's lot, so I got a very good price.
I've driven it a little over 1,000 miles and, so far, I'm very pleased with both the Savanna van and the Gulf Stream conversion package.

edbianchi1 · November 2000

Hi, I've decided to buy for first time a hightop
van, and I've been looking around and the Savana
conversion by GMC is the one I liked the most.
I was looking through internet and I couldn't find
prices for used ones. I'm looking for 1997/98
hightop with no more than 25000 miles. I know it's
hard but...
Also I would like to know what is the best
conversion brand, and what are the pros and cons
for the GMC vs Ford, Chevy, etc.
Thank you

edbianchi1 · December 2000

Hi, I've decided to buy for first time a hightop
van, and I've been looking around and the Savana
conversion by GMC is the one I liked the most.
I was looking through internet and I couldn't find
prices for used ones. I'm looking for 1997/98/99
hightop with no more than 25000 miles. I know it's
hard but...
Also I would like to know what is the best
conversion brand, I like a lot of wood.
What are the pros and cons for the GMC vs Ford, Chevy, etc.
Th

prov1632 · December 2000

One word of caution on the conversion vans. I had a 1994 Ford. In 60000 miles I went thru 2 transmissions. I finally got a mechanic to tell me what the scoop was. He said when a lot of the vans are ordered for conversion, they tend to be the lower end cargo vans. Then, the conversion company dresses them up with all the seats, interior wood, etc. However, the transmission remains the lower end models. He said then that the extra weight of all the goodies is about the same as towing a trailer all the time...and really puts a strain on the transmission.

Suggestion - if you can possibly do it - try to find one with a heavy duty chassis/transmission. Perhaps one that is set up for trailer towing...

frederick5 · December 2000

We have a 1996 Chevy 1500 Van that has the Gladiator (Glaval Corp., Inc.) conversion done to it. Anybody have information on how to add the conversion to the price when you go to re-sell or trade? Of course, dealers only want to give you what is listed for the van itself and forget the conversion even though they will up the price to a consumer because it has "extra" features. Any information ASAP would be appreciated at my e-mail address of: TFred296@aol.com. Thanks, Tamra

guest · December 2000

david157 · December 2000

I would check the gmc savana chewy express reliability against the ford reliability category in the van section It appears gmc has several problems,ford very few.

dad4kidz · January 2001

hi i'm a 1st time poster and its great to read all these postings on the sequoia... i have a 91 previa van...has 260k on it and have been extremely happy with it. Our family is planning a lot of driving vacations this year and planned for 1 yr to purchase a sequoia. A friend recently purchased and i was impressed with the vehicle. But for our family it won't work on long drives vs. the previa. we're looking for another vehicle with more power, more cargo room and similar flexibilites of the previa. Our kids 14yr & 3 pre-teens need their space for comfort it makes for better vacations.. I agree with previous posts, the extra cargo room is a big benefit, plus the ability to manipulate the rear space even while driving is very conveniet for the family. Also all 4 captain chairs and the rear split bench horizontally, makes the passengers very comfortable to sleep and rest on long trips. if we need flat space, fold the bench up, move some blankets around and there is space for 1 adult and 2 pre-teens to rest. at home there was endless pratical configurations used, i only inteded to keep vehicle for 3 years but now would keep around as useful utility vehicle...although i couldn't use for towing... Now we have seen and test drove GMC/Chev and Dodge full-sized hi-topconversion vans and heavily leaning towards purchasing very soon. The new explorer gmc/chevy fully loaded hi-tops are from 30-34k. We did find a used excellent condition 1999 dodge 31,000 miles that we can get for base 22k + extended warranty $1500, 0 deductible... would like to hear comments from anybody's thoughts on our situation and give us any recommendations... thanks for the help
dad4kidz

jboater · January 2001

You might want to review reliability posts in this conference. There is one on Chev/GMC and one on Ford.
Explorer has been a well regarded converter based on posts I read here.
I'm close to a purchase of a new 2000 Ford. Rebate just went up from $3,000 to $4,000. My first choice is a Discovery by Sherry Designs and my 2nd choice is an Eclipse. Both sticker at 45-46k.
I've been diving a Ford for over 3 years (55k miles) and have been very satisfied.
Fuel efficiency won't be what it is with a mini-van. Insurance costs are usually higher on a conversion van too.

Jerry

havanese · February 2001

Here's a different question for you...

I am comparing two Chevy vans... Apples to apples as far as I can tell. The conversions are Explorer and Regency. Both very similar packages. Nearly the same price. Does anyone have a preference of one company over the other? The Explorer Rep told me that he had a customer trade her Explorer in for a Regency when her lease was up and regretted it. Well, I can't really trust his word, he's there to sell his van!

Both seem to build about the same way and the van structures seem to be about the same as far as the reinforced framing around the windows and such. Just really curios as to whether anyone has an opinion on this.

Deb

saintgerard · February 2001

Hello all,
My spouse and daughters gave me a conversion van for Christmas. We had been searching for over a year to get a larger vehicle for our family trips and found a dealer who was willing to work us vice gouge you. I was interested in the versatility Glaval builds in their vans by offering an option called the "Fold and Tumble Sofa." It's a manaul sofa that folds forward against the second row captains chairs, enlargibg the space behind the sofa when needed. Also the sofa and second row captains chairs can be removed from the van to haul anything you need too!! The dealership did not have a van equipped with the "Fold and Tumble Sofa" so they contacted the factory which had a DEMO, with 3800 miles and the following equipment: TRITON 5.4 V8, TV/VCP/Nintendo, Driver/Passenger seat warmers, limited-slip differential, towing package, handling package, custom paint job, high top, leather seats, premium sound, the works. equipment. Needless to say it was brought sight unseen with Ford's $3,000 rebate, and the dealership's standard $98 over factory invoice. The Glaval factory took $5000 off the price of the conversion package. This van is great!! Handles well, quiet, fit and finish impeccable. From reading the posted messages here I believe Ford is the way to go for maintenance and reliability. My Dad still has his 1978 Ford van, the first year the body was changed to an extended front end, and has had NO engine or transmission problems.

framitx · February 2001

I'm not very far from the Regency plant (in Fort Worth,Texas) and they are quite common on the area lots. To qualify: I have a Centaurus conversion van ('93 Ford) cherry and strong at 97K miles and was the terror of every conversion lot sales rep in the area at the time (& looking forward to a repeat performance in a year or two). I wish I could say I knew of ONE person who had a good thing to say about their Regency conversion. I recently took an "X" series Explorer conversion out on the road... WOW!!! what a nice piece of work. How it would hold up I couldn't say but the workmanship was exceptional with good tight seams, no squeaks or rattles, and silence (was a Ford chassis) all around the cab. In all fairness I have not driven a Regency product in 3 or 4 years. Hope this helps. Good hunting. MHF

larieb · May 2001

Anybody care to comment on their experience with conversion vans , and offer any tips to us prospective buyers ? Larieb

nwraaa · May 2001

The full size cargo vans (which I will refer to as the chasis), which are subsequently converted into conversion vans, are made by Chevy, GMC, Ford, and Dodge. The chasis is a low top van. There are a number of companies still converting vans but not as many as there were say five years ago. Some of the more popular van conversion companies are Explorer, Starcraft, Southern Coach, Sherrod, Rocky Ridge, Regency, Tuscany, Glaval (Universal, Prime Time), Southern Comfort, Mark III, Liesure by Discovery, Zephyr, L.A. West, Elegant, and American Luxury Coach. The make-up of the chasis and the conversion package makes the difference in the van. Chasis are equipped with six cylinder engines or eight cylinder engines. Some come with limited slip rear ends. Some come with towing packages. Of course, there are high top and low top vans. And a Ford E-150 is more expensive than say a Ford E-250. Basic features such as TVs, VCPs, front and rear air, and radios with CD/cassette players are relatively standard on most vans now. The price begins to climb though when the vans comes with items such as heated leather seats, wraparound ground effects kits, custom wheels, Michelin tires, temperature/directional rear view mirrors, and swivel passenger seats. The prices of new Ford, GMC, and Chevy conversion vans range from about $27,000.00 to $44,000.00. Dodges are not quite as expensive. I have to say though that it appears that the conversion companies don't seem to do as good a job at converting the latest Dodge models as they do the Fords, Chevys, and GMCs.

stever · May 2001

Anyone mentioned safety in here lately? Conversion vans haven't inspired a lot of confidence in that area because sometimes the factory roof is replaced with a non-structural fiberglass one, and the seat mounts for those fancy captains chairs are another concern. Maybe the lawsuits have improved things.

Steve
Host
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dalelynn · May 2001

Hope someone out there can tell me if this is normal: I just bought a 2001 Chevy express Conversion van, v8, 5.0 liter engine and the oil pressure goes from 18 to 60 continually while driving around town. I can't find anything in the owners manual addressing this. What is considered normal? Does anyone know if Chevy has a number you can call for technical support?

nwraaa · May 2001

This is not normal. The oil pressure gauge should not indicate that the oil pressure is fluctuating. Pull the dipstick and make sure that the correct amount of oil is in the engine. Correct the oil level if needed. If the oil level is okay and the gauge still fluctuates, take the van back to the dealer immediately and request that the problem be corrected.

depp · May 2001

dalelynn, no it is not normal. There are a number of reasons this may happen, my best recommendation would be to take it straight back to the dealer and let them diagnose and fix it. I've had this kind of problem on several vehicles, its usually a small problem but since you just bought it you should have no problem having the dealer fix it under your original 3 year/36 month warranty.

xfiles · May 2001

I have the 2001 Savana 2500 passenger van with 5.7 L and my oil pressure gauge goes up and down as well. It has only 340 miles on it, still not broken in.

Unfortunatley the U.S uses PSI to indicate oil pressure, while Canada uses KPa(Kilapascals)...like metric is really helping us now? Still, I find the same characteristic of the needle moving up and down. Mine rests almost halfway between 275 and 550KPa while driving around 40mph and it does change with engine speed, being lower at a red light.

I assume we have the same OWNERS MANUAL....so try checking page 2-64. It states oil pressure may vary with engine speed, outside temperature and oil viscosity.

My CHILTON MANUAL shows how to perform a oil pressure test:
______________________________________________________
FROM CHILTONS MANUAL
-------------------------------------------------------------
1.Start the engine and allow it to idle.
2. Check the oil pressure reading when cold and record the number. You may need to run the engine at a specified rpm (check specifications chart. For 5.0 and 5.7L engines for 1997 it is 18PSI@2000RPM).
3. Run the engine until normal operating temperature is reached (upper radiator hose will feel warm).
4. Check the oil pressure reading again with the engine hot and record the number. Turn the engine OFF.
5.Compare your hot oil pressure reading to that given in the chart. If the reading is low, check the cold pressure reading against the chart. If the cold pressure is well above the specification, and the hot reading was lower than the specification, you may have the wrong viscosity oil in the engine. Change the oil, making sure to use the proper grade and quantity, then repeat the test.
Low oil pressure readings could be attributred to internal component wear, pump related problems, a low oil level, or oil viscosity that is too low. High oil pressure readings could be caused by an overfilled crankcase, too high of an oil viscosity or a fualty pressure relief valve.
________________________________________________________

If your still not feeling confident, then see the dealer where you purchased the vehicle and ask to test drive another vehicle...then compare for yourself.

Hope this helped.

dalelynn · May 2001

I really appreciate all your thoughts on the oil pressure situation. To be on the safe side I am taking it back to the dealer to check out. Especially since there were two other "little" problems in the first week, like the battery wasn't hooked on tight and could have caused a fire and the pinstriping was pulled off on one side... Nothing like these types of problems to really take the wind out of your sale and burst the balloon of joy upon getting new wheels!

xfiles · May 2001

I converted the Kilopascals for my Canadian vehicle and at idle (vehicle fully at temp) it worked out to 17.2PSI, although the test calls for 2000RPM which is higher then the idle point. I am safely within the recommended level.

What is important for you is that this was my lowest reading (17.2PSI at idle) and while driving it went up and down as I accelerated. My gauge varied about 3/4" in fluctuations.

I would not just trust the mechanics, instead I would ask to test drive another identical vehicle to confirm it a 3rd time. Mine can be considered #2. The reason I say this is that the mechanic can not be fully familiar with every vehicle they sell regarding minor differences in behaviour.
For example, the transmission specialist felt my tranny had major troubles when I returned it and complained of a loud noise (after just leaving the lot for the first time). Turned out when the shop supervisor stepped in that it was just the fan clutch and normal. This mechanic was not fully familiar himself. Nothing like test driving another vehicle to set your mind at ease, that's what I did.

One other thing, if there was a pressure problem, guranteed the computer would say something with a CHECK ENGINE WARNING.

Good luck!

5happycampers · June 2001

I have come accross a nifty plastic "box" which is attached onto a metal plate which in turn slips into an installed trailer hitch. They look like they would be fine for my problem of too much stuff in my Ram 1500 conversion. Camping gear would go into this box.
Anyone had experince with these? Safe? Robust? I know that some telescop and swing out of the way of the rear doors. Does it really work? Your help is much appreciated for our trip across the USA!!

THanks and happy trails.

vivhoward · June 2001

Has any one experienced their roof tops coming completely off? We were on I-295 driving to Norfolk, VA, when we heard this rumbling noise. We pulled over to find out the cause. We thought a tire had blew. This passer-by stopped and said "did you know that your roof blew off about 500 feet back? I had to swerve to miss it". The entire hard covering was gone. the headliner and the accesories were still in place. It was raining cats and dogs. We were an hour and half away from home. We turned around and went back home, but the interior was soaked. We own a 96 chevy express, conversion by Quality coaches.

mrnimmo · June 2001

harrys2 · June 2001

I am trying to decide on which company's chassis to purchase. Which vehicle has the most reliable powertrain. I have heard good things about Chevy's ride, Dodge's 318 and not much either way about Ford. I definitely want an 8 cyl engine. I am tall so would like the most legroom possible in the driver's position. I owned an 1986 6 cyl Dodge B150 and never had any problems with it. Every Dodge minivan I have owned had transmission problems, how are the truck transmissions? What should I pay for a 1995 Dodge B250 MarkIII hightop w/leather, with 60000 miles? I am considering buying one. What is the safety of these vans? Thanks for any help.

mrnimmo · June 2001

Parts may be a problem. But the vans may be deals.

mike346 · June 2001

According to the tow rating chart at trailerlife.com, the 2000 Dodge Ram Van 1500 with the 5.2 and 3.55:1 axle can tow up to 11,500lbs. Has anyone ever tried to pull that much? I'm currently driving a '96 Savana with a 5.7 and it was really struggling to pull an empty 28' Travel Trailer (approx 4500lbs).
Thanks,
Mike

mike43nc · June 2001

for the rear captains chairs in my 1994 Chevy Mark III. They allow you to remove or install the seat mounting bolts from inside the van without needing to hold the nut underneath. I had a set on my last van, but did not think to save them before I sold it. I think the mounting bolt sets came from JC Whitney, but they no longer carry them. Anyone seen a source of these?

reezteez · August 2001

I'm wondering if Universal is still a conversion company, do they still exist? I'm looking at buying a usd van that was converted by Universal, and it may need a new fender flare. Can that be obtained?
Does anyone know if converting a van like a 1999 E-150 to a lo-top conversion, changes the gas mileage any?

mrnimmo · August 2001

and is out of business. Parts are available, see the page

http://www.glaval.com/

brianw8 · August 2001

I,m looking at a 1999 dodge 1500 with a regency conversion package and 27,000 miles. What is a fair price for this van. Does anyone have any comments about regency, good or bad? What should a 1500 dodge van with a basic conversion package go for? How about a 2500? I'm really interested in finding one, but, most car websites (including this one, unless i missed it) don't have sections for conversion vans. Thanks for your help.

darkmanxr2 · September 2001

Had E150 Ford Conversion 1999. Had brake done 8/5/01 pm husband took to work 8/6/01 am Had to stop on FWY no Brakes Insurance Investagating. Suspected something odd with the way brakes went bad prior to repair, Did our mechanic make a mistake or has anyone else had problems with their brakes. Friend said she heard Ford may have defective brake system. Has anyone else heard about this. PLEASE LET ME KNOW. by the way my husband was ok praise God!

darkmanxr2 · September 2001

DarkManXR2 is my sons screen name, my screen name is comfiecozy@aol.com e-mail me if you have any info or post here. Thank you

xfiles · September 2001

Well, someone worked on those brakes, and the next day you have an accident. The probability sure is that the mechanic caused the problem, and not the mfr. The mechanic may have failed to tighten down a brake fluid bleeder valve on the brakes, or he didn't tighten down one of the brake lines. The fact that it happened the very next day is a strong reason to point a finger at the mechanic in my opinion. A slow leak could have drained the reserve brake fluid container slowly, and once you reach the lower limit your suddenly in trouble. So you were okay the day of the brake job, but next morning your in trouble with low fluid.

Good luck.

cushing · January 2002

My only on going problem is the Rear Axle Noise and tire wear problems.
High top w/roof air/cond and on board gas generator. This extra high 8'1/2" may be my problems source.
Any comments about my problems would help PLEASE! Constructive Please?

fmgarcia · January 2002

Hello . . .

I am looking at an Eclipse Conversion Van . . . hi-top, TV/VCP, leather, power sofabed, etc. Chassis is a Ford E-150 with the 5.4L Triton V-8. Dealer wants $33,700 + processing + taxes & tags.

First, how good is the quality of Eclipse? Second, is the asking price a good deal?

Thanks all

jc1973 · March 2002

I JUST BOUGHT A 1990 FORD EXPLORER CONVERSION VAN HIGH TOP DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THIS IS A GOOD QUALITY CONVERSION PACKAGE SOME PEOPLE HAVE TOLD ME THEY ARE A LOUSY COMPANY

jboater · March 2002

I don't have any 1st hand experience. It seems to me that there have been numerous positive posts here at Edmund's. You might want to did through old posts and archives.

dunkmydonut · May 2002

I too have had a brake problem with the ABS. I wish I just put a piece of black tape over the dash light. The brakes were fine until Ford got to work on it. Now after multiple trips back, I have to live with a spongy pedal. Other than that the van has been good. I have a 96 high top. I like the comfort of the high top, but it comes with with it's own problems such as parking both in lots, buildings and garages, both home and repair shops. I do miss being able to go through car washes that I could fit into with the low top van. Also I feel the wind buffeting more in the high top. Feel like a billboard some windy days. Other than that I'm happy with it.

magmaschnab1 · May 2002

I own an internet mobile skateboard shop / company. www.jizskateboards.com. I have come to the conclusion that my daily operations will be more efficient if I do it all out of a cargo van.
Who knows which make and model cargo van is the most reliable? I'm thinking about buying a 1998.
Thank you. EMAIL: sean@jizskateboards.com

sebringjxi · July 2002

With Glaval and Mark III out of business, who's still converting vans. We're on our second E150 Ford high-top conversion. The first was a '91 and was wonderful, the second is a '96 Centarus (also out of business) and is fantastic. Two things I've learned since 1991, never trust the dealer when he says, "Oh, that's no problem, the conversion company will fix that." and never trust the conversion company when they say, "Oh, that's no problem, the dealer will fix that." In all reality, my service with both vans has been very good. I still chuckle when I recall the dealer telling me that LCM (manufacturer) was the best in the business and that the Centarus conversions were the Mercedes of conversion vans--hey, they got the same stuff in them all the other conversions do and the quality is debatable! Now we're approaching the mileage at which we usually trade and I'm begining to look around and geez, where's all the conversion vans. My kids are in college and just the wife and I now, so I might consider a Expedition or Navigator, but I really like the conversion van.

Is Choo Choo Conversions in Chattanooga still in business? Gladiator? Who's got the best conversion for daily usage on the market right now?

Thanks!

mrnimmo · July 2002

Or similar van from GM? The factory jobbies now have four captains and video. And my impression is that fit and finish is far superior. Leather is available, but you won't get all that fake hardwood or twenty pounds of vinyl striping on a factory van. No hightop available but the low top is more usuable if you intend to carry canoes, bikes or luggage on the top. And the factory van is crash tested. No conversion ever was to my knowledge.

jc1973 · August 2002

I RECENTLY BOUGHT A 1990 EXPLORED HIGH TOP VAN A FORD AND IVE HAD TON OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THE VAN REALLY SUCKS

vguard · August 2002

The Chateau is what I have....but to get leather you need to go with the "Traveler", which is nothing but a Chateau with leather and the Video system and runs $higher$.

I do agree with everything else you say.....both Ford and GM have created a perfect conversion van...without the bed of course. I would not own a fiberglass high top.

I love my E-150 Chateau (4 captains chairs in cloth), but would consider the Traveler if I could get a DVD vs. VHS system.

VG

pastorm · August 2002

Friends:
I'm in need of your advice/help. I'm in the market for a used full-sized van/wagon to pull a 26' travel trailer for summer camping trips and handle two teenage boys!I saw a 1999 Ford E-150 Tuscany (Sleekstar model, low top)conversion van in Auto Trader (private party)and took a quick look. Having never ventured into van conversions I don't know what to make of them. The van specs include most bells and whistles. It has 52k and appears in immaculate shape. The asking price is $14,500. The warranty has expired. OK ... now the questions:
1. Is this a fair price? NADA and Edmunds seem not to have price listings for conversion vans.
2. I've heard conversion vans are prone to electrical problems. True? Other things they have problems with?
3. Does Tuscany do good,reliable work?
4. Do Ford E-150s hold up in the long run (100k and more)?
5. Do conversion vans handle towing (this Ford has a 4.6L V8 engine)?
Thanks so very much for helping this novice!

creid · September 2002

I currently own a 01 Safari AWD. With (3) kids & large dog we find it difficult to pack up & take trips from Cincinnati to Texas. It seems we run out of room very quickly for all parties to be comfortable.
Me & the wife are thinking of the above mentioned full size van. Is there some suggestions on these vehicles or should I be steared away & look at conversion done by outside vendors & not GM. We like the Safari but w/ the AWD system I get worse gas mileage than my friends w/ full size vans & I have alot less room than they. Any insight or suggestions is greatly appreciated.

drivenow · September 2002

Would anyone go with a Savanna or Express AWD conversion van over a Denali XL or Escalade ESV, for luxury people hauling?? Also, does anyone know what kind of poor weather (i.e. snow/rain/loose gravel) traction one could expect from a van compared to SUV. I really do not expect to take the vehicle off road, but I do drive up driveways which have several inches of snow or slush often. Who is the best in van conversions these days

depp1 · November 2002

My father had a 1985 2500 Full-sized GMC conversion van, it was converted by Starcraft. We drove the hell out of this vehicle and it eventually fell apart in 99 or 00 with over 200K. We rebuilt the engine once, had the brakes worked on but it was all usual wear. It had it's share of small problems, but nothing really major and with 2 adults and 2 kids it was VERY luxurious. I think conversion vans have a TON more room than the Suburbans and Tahoes (you can actually stand up in a van, even without the pop-up roof), and with the Denali/suburban/tahoe price tag now at +$45K, I would take a conversion van any day over them. We towed our boat, hauled plywood, drywall and decking material, towed numerous cars and went on hundreds of boy scout adventures where we had it maxed out for capacity and it handled it all. Family trips were a breeze and we were spoiled. When we decided to finally get rid of it, it was very difficult to all ride as a family in a regular sedan again, seemed very small. Packing was impossible.

It was RWD (as all vans were) but with the extra weight it didn't matter what the weather was, snow, loose gravel, sloppy mud/field after weekend of rain, it performed great.

Now I am looking at purchasing my first van and I am going to the same GMC dealer my dad got his at. I am looking at a 2500 Full-sized GMC Explorer conversion. Not sure of all the options yet, I am sort of hoping I can still get a deal on a 2002 though I doubt it. Not sure I am ready to purchase a 1st year AWD van. Great concept but GM doesn't have a great record of 1st year success with redesigns. Having been in a family that owned a van for years I could care less that the doors are on both sides. Doesn't seem to make that much of a difference for my use, I can see some benefits but they don't sway me on just the fact that it has a drivers side passenger opening.

Also, with the Explorer conversion there used to be an issue with the trailering wiring where Explorer would not bring the wires under the vehicle like normal instead you had to open the rear door and flip the wiring out of the passenger compartment, then close the rear door on the wires. Totally unacceptable in my book for properly wiring a hitch. This was a few years ago and they said Explorer would not drill a hole in the bottom of the passenger compartment because it would break the seal and allow moisture in. This sounds like complete BS to me since trailer wiring should tie in with the rear lights and not ever go inside the passenger compartment, but what do I know. I do know there is no way I will purchase the van if this is the case.

Another gripe on the conversions I have seen is the price and quality of the video systems. I understand the flip down models, but it seems like you should be able to get a better quality TV in there. And VCP? Is there a reason I can't just go to Wal-mart and get a $50 VCR and have the ability to record as well? Why in the world do they only play and not record? I understand the logic of well you can't really get a signal, but why are they making special VCRs instead of just getting stock of the shelf at any electronics store? Also the one I saw had an option for a DVD that sort of awkwardly plugged into a cigarette lighter off the mid passenger drivers side console. Ridiculous when there is open space in the roof around the TV. Why not stack like a stereo system, bolt them down and enclose in a classy glass door? Also, the Explorer vans have a Nintendo option. That was great when I was a kid, but Sony Playstation is the ticket now, why not have an option for all of them with wireless controllers? Why not offer DirectTV satellite like they have on 18-Wheeler trucks? No option for a CB? Maybe I can understand that, but why does the Denali get a full touch screen mapping On-Start program and the vans don't? No option of Lo-Jack? It just seems like the video system could be much much better.

Other interesting things, it seems like it is IMPOSSIBLE to find a dealer around the St. Louis, MO area that sells a Chevy van conversion, they are all GMC. In other areas of the country it is impossible to find a GMC converter. Anyone else noticed this? I saw a very nice Chevy conversion by a company called Southern Comfort, but they are down south in AL or GA or something. If I call up a Chevy dealer and ask for a van here all they will have are cargo vans.

Let's see, what were some of the other questions here. Parking garages were fine for us with the old van, did not have a pop-up roof. The pop-up will prevent you from going into most garages, but that isn't really a big deal most places have large vehicle parking now.

Finally, I would appreciate it if anyone can help guide me towards a pricing guide for the new conversion vans. I don't think the TMV has info on new conversion vans.

Thanks all, look forward to your discussion.

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