Casually thinking about a full size SUV and with the prices on expeditions and suburbans is there any reason I shouldn't do this? I have the 6.6 in my truck now and it's been a fantastic engine.

https://www.gmcconversionvans.com/inventory/2024-gmc-conversion-van-explorer-limited-se-rwd-low-top-1gtw7af74r1287687/

My dad and brother had multiple vans. Not as flashy but they're in a completely different league for storage and comfort. They loved them as DD.

Ecoboost transit explorer conversion

1agswitchin4lanes said:

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Ecoboost transit explorer conversion

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Can it tow a boat?

TSW2012 said:

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Casually thinking about a full size SUV and with the prices on expeditions and suburbans is there any reason I shouldn't do this? I have the 6.6 in my truck now and it's been a fantastic engine.

https://www.gmcconversionvans.com/inventory/2024-gmc-conversion-van-explorer-limited-se-rwd-low-top-1gtw7af74r1287687/

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Those are tight

TSW2012 said:

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1agswitchin4lanes said:

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Ecoboost transit explorer conversion

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Can it tow a boat?

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5700 lbs

BiggiesLX said:

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TSW2012 said:

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Casually thinking about a full size SUV and with the prices on expeditions and suburbans is there any reason I shouldn't do this? I have the 6.6 in my truck now and it's been a fantastic engine.

https://www.gmcconversionvans.com/inventory/2024-gmc-conversion-van-explorer-limited-se-rwd-low-top-1gtw7af74r1287687/

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Those are tight

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Dollar for dollar it's crazy value compared to an expedition or suburban. Plus you can't get the 6.6L V8 in the SUV. Plus bed mean roadtrips will start at night. Give me hours to pound miles before potty breaks start.

1agswitchin4lanes said:

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TSW2012 said:

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1agswitchin4lanes said:

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Ecoboost transit explorer conversion

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Can it tow a boat?

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5700 lbs

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Damn. Close but that's a touch light 25 footer on the trailer with fuel and ice is pushing 6500. I like the ergonomics of the transit but the GMC may win out with the beefier specs.

We did a few road trips where drivers would just sleep and rotate 4 hour shifts.

Difference you can REALLY sleep in conversion vans and feel rested.

That head unit though… LOL

I do like that all the switches and paddle buttons are straight outta 06

I have a transit conversion van hightop extended with AWD, lifted 3 inches, etc.

I look at it all the time in the driveway and wonder why I own it, then I take it on a trip and love every second of it. This summer we are taking it to San Diego, Vegas, Yellowstone, Great Sand Dunes, Crested Butte, Fruita, Tennessee, and Ohio. Plus we will do numerous kayaking and mountain biking trips. On every one of these trips we will trade off driving and sleeping, eat good food at rest stops and parks, sometimes sleep in the van and sometimes get hotels, etc.

I like it so much that I have almost completely stopped flying. Airports suck so bad. I absolutely LOVE not having to eat fast food since I have a stove, microwave, and fridge.



IF you travel a bunch then conversion vans are so freaking awesome. I would not want it as my DD though.

knoxtom said:

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I have a transit conversion van hightop extended with AWD, lifted 3 inches, etc.

I look at it all the time in the driveway and wonder why I own it, then I take it on a trip and love every second of it. This summer we are taking it to San Diego, Vegas, Yellowstone, Great Sand Dunes, Crested Butte, Fruita, Tennessee, and Ohio. Plus we will do numerous kayaking and mountain biking trips. On every one of these trips we will trade off driving and sleeping, eat good food at rest stops and parks, sometimes sleep in the van and sometimes get hotels, etc.

I like it so much that I have almost completely stopped flying. Airports suck so bad. I absolutely LOVE not having to eat fast food since I have a stove, microwave, and fridge.



IF you travel a bunch then conversion vans are so freaking awesome. I would not want it as my DD though.

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Yeah my wife hates to fly and I drive a ton every day so driving is no big deal for me so I prefer to drive vs fly for anything other than business.

I'm curious as to what would hold you back on daily driving it? I have been daily driving 1 ton crew cab trucks for the last 15 years so size/fuel doesn't bother me.

They are tough with blind spots. At least to me.

knoxtom said:

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I have a transit conversion van hightop extended with AWD, lifted 3 inches, etc.

I look at it all the time in the driveway and wonder why I own it, then I take it on a trip and love every second of it. This summer we are taking it to San Diego, Vegas, Yellowstone, Great Sand Dunes, Crested Butte, Fruita, Tennessee, and Ohio. Plus we will do numerous kayaking and mountain biking trips. On every one of these trips we will trade off driving and sleeping, eat good food at rest stops and parks, sometimes sleep in the van and sometimes get hotels, etc.

I like it so much that I have almost completely stopped flying. Airports suck so bad. I absolutely LOVE not having to eat fast food since I have a stove, microwave, and fridge.



IF you travel a bunch then conversion vans are so freaking awesome. I would not want it as my DD though.

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Rule 1 on the van?

Freaking love these things. If it was socially acceptable for a mid 40's male to DD one, I'd be all over it.

Fat Bottom Squirrels said:

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Freaking love these things. If it was socially acceptable for a mid 40's male to DD one, I'd be all over it.

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Bro I'm 35 and I'm so close.

TSW2012 said:

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knoxtom said:

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I have a transit conversion van hightop extended with AWD, lifted 3 inches, etc.

I look at it all the time in the driveway and wonder why I own it, then I take it on a trip and love every second of it. This summer we are taking it to San Diego, Vegas, Yellowstone, Great Sand Dunes, Crested Butte, Fruita, Tennessee, and Ohio. Plus we will do numerous kayaking and mountain biking trips. On every one of these trips we will trade off driving and sleeping, eat good food at rest stops and parks, sometimes sleep in the van and sometimes get hotels, etc.

I like it so much that I have almost completely stopped flying. Airports suck so bad. I absolutely LOVE not having to eat fast food since I have a stove, microwave, and fridge.



IF you travel a bunch then conversion vans are so freaking awesome. I would not want it as my DD though.

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Yeah my wife hates to fly and I drive a ton every day so driving is no big deal for me so I prefer to drive vs fly for anything other than business.

I'm curious as to what would hold you back on daily driving it? I have been daily driving 1 ton crew cab trucks for the last 15 years so size/fuel doesn't bother me.

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Size, fuel, and I have other options. I have a couple of land rovers and they are great driving cars.

quigley conversion

1agswitchin4lanes said:

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Ecoboost transit explorer conversion

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maybe it's the stance, but the transit doesn't look as squishy and comfy as the GM vans. I want captain's chairs that look like grandpa's recliner and curtains

sts7049 said:

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1agswitchin4lanes said:

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Ecoboost transit explorer conversion

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maybe it's the stance, but the transit doesn't look as squishy and comfy as the GM vans. I want captain's chairs that look like grandpa's recliner and curtains

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You're too used to those ninety eight recgencys.

yup, and I still remember my grandparents Econoline

Neighbors had one back in the 80's with the carpet and curtains. Never been so carsick in my life. The small card table with cup holders was pretty cool though.

Understand that the conversion won't have all the modern tech of new cars like radar cruise control, lane keeping, auto braking and the stability features. Crash test results may also be reduced. But if you're good with that and don't do more than gravel offroad, they're great for hauling large numbers of adults in comfort with the ability to tow a trailer.

Damn, I didn't know GM still used those stupid '90s door handles that break every other year.

What the overall allure here? SUVs are expensive so go drop 75K on an outdated platform of a conversion van instead of all the new features in the overpriced SUV market for 80K. That interior is straight out of 2005 on a 2024 model.

spieg12 said:

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Damn, I didn't know GM still used those stupid '90s door handles that break every other year.

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Yeah true but you can buy them in a blister pack at any auto parts store.

04.arch.ag said:

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What the overall allure here? SUVs are expensive so go drop 75K on an outdated platform of a conversion van instead of all the new features in the overpriced SUV market for 80K. That interior is straight out of 2005 on a 2024 model.

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The allure is while the body-style is older. It has a great new powertrain not available in any SUV.
More comfortable for parents, grandparents and kids for longer driving. While being less expensive than a regular SUV. Plus more storage/cargo space than regular SUV

The powertrain is reason enough for me. 6.6N/A V8 or a turbo 6 or 5.3V8 with AFM. I'm a big proponent of HD powertrain used in a light application. Everything lasts forever. I have 175k miles on one of these motors with basically no issues.

agnerd said:

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Understand that the conversion won't have all the modern tech of new cars like radar cruise control, lane keeping, auto braking and the stability features. Crash test results may also be reduced. But if you're good with that and don't do more than gravel offroad, they're great for hauling large numbers of adults in comfort with the ability to tow a trailer.

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Mine has all of that.

Adaptive cruise, lane keeping, brakes automatically, collision braking, all the stability control, different settings for different kinds of traction control, stops you from changing lanes if someone is in your blind spot, mirrors have detectors and flash if someone is there.

knoxtom said:

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agnerd said:

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Understand that the conversion won't have all the modern tech of new cars like radar cruise control, lane keeping, auto braking and the stability features. Crash test results may also be reduced. But if you're good with that and don't do more than gravel offroad, they're great for hauling large numbers of adults in comfort with the ability to tow a trailer.

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Mine has all of that.

Adaptive cruise, lane keeping, brakes automatically, collision braking, all the stability control, different settings for different kinds of traction control, stops you from changing lanes if someone is in your blind spot, mirrors have detectors and flash if someone is there.

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This is the way

1agswitchin4lanes said:

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knoxtom said:

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agnerd said:

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Understand that the conversion won't have all the modern tech of new cars like radar cruise control, lane keeping, auto braking and the stability features. Crash test results may also be reduced. But if you're good with that and don't do more than gravel offroad, they're great for hauling large numbers of adults in comfort with the ability to tow a trailer.

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Mine has all of that.

Adaptive cruise, lane keeping, brakes automatically, collision braking, all the stability control, different settings for different kinds of traction control, stops you from changing lanes if someone is in your blind spot, mirrors have detectors and flash if someone is there.

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This is the way

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When it all comes down to it, a van is fun as heck. I can't express enough how nice it is to pull over at a rest stop and eat out of the fridge instead of getting fast food and dealing with people. My dog loves it, my son loves it, my wife loves it. When I start loading the bikes, kayaks, or skis on it, my son gets legit happy. That is cool. If I let the dog out of the house and the van slider is open he is in there and won't come out. It's adventure time!

I have a few favorite stopping points between Colorado and Dallas and I stop at them, open the big door and just sit back a bit before continuing on. Most of the time making that trip I leave after dinner and drive to a spot between Dumas and Amarillo. 5 hours driving and I am asleep within 5 minutes of stopping for the night. No check in, no unloading, just walk to the back. Finish the drive the next morning.

2 5 hour drives are so much more enjoyable than 1 10 hour drive or a flight. Coming back I stop near Palo Duro and again I am asleep within 5 minutes. We get a hotel every few nights just for the good shower.

My wife got me a crazy nice camp stove a few years back. I can have that fired up in a minute or two and cooking some of those chicken apple sausages with chopped up fruits and veggies. Do you understand just how nice a meal like that is when traveling instead of eating GD cracker barrel?


Last thing... while you drive pretty slow in a van you still make great time because you don't have to mess with all of the delays. It is VERY low stress travel.

I'd just get a tricked out Honda Odyssey. Those are "only" 50K.

Quote:

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I have a few favorite stopping points between Colorado and Dallas and I stop at them, open the big door and just sit back a bit before continuing on. Most of the time making that trip I leave after dinner and drive to a spot between Dumas and Amarillo. 5 hours driving and I am asleep within 5 minutes of stopping for the night. No check in, no unloading, just walk to the back. Finish the drive the next morning.

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What are the Dos and Don'ts from a security standpoint. Do you pull over into a parking lot or just the side of the road?

Quote:

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My wife got me a crazy nice camp stove a few years back. I can have that fired up in a minute or two and cooking some of those chicken apple sausages with chopped up fruits and veggies. Do you understand just how nice a meal like that is when traveling instead of eating GD cracker barrel?

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And cheaper too.

mm98 said:

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Quote:

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I have a few favorite stopping points between Colorado and Dallas and I stop at them, open the big door and just sit back a bit before continuing on. Most of the time making that trip I leave after dinner and drive to a spot between Dumas and Amarillo. 5 hours driving and I am asleep within 5 minutes of stopping for the night. No check in, no unloading, just walk to the back. Finish the drive the next morning.

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What are the Dos and Don'ts from a security standpoint. Do you pull over into a parking lot or just the side of the road?

Quote:

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My wife got me a crazy nice camp stove a few years back. I can have that fired up in a minute or two and cooking some of those chicken apple sausages with chopped up fruits and veggies. Do you understand just how nice a meal like that is when traveling instead of eating GD cracker barrel?

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And cheaper too.

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Wife carries a handgun when she goes alone. She did 4-5 days in Durango 2 summers ago hitting hot springs and she had one in the van. I have a Beretta 1301 I guess I could carry but I never have. It isn't like I am camping in Fair Park or Garland.

Put insulating shades in the windows, lock doors, turn on alarm, and go to bed.


Never do the side of the road. Not only illegal but you could get hit by a car. I don't use Walmart lots either. I have heard you can get "visitors" in those lots who "just want to get out of the cold."

mm98 said:

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What are the Dos and Don'ts from a security standpoint. Do you pull over into a parking lot or just the side of the road?

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We've got an old Express with a high top added and generally look for free spots in national forests, but that really only applies once you get out of TX. There are websites like https://freecampsites.net/ where you can find RV/van friendly overnight spots, but they're getting harder to find since the increase in the "Vanlife" scene (and genuinely homeless people) looking for a place to stay.

I definitely wouldn't just pull to the side of the road on a highway (for fear of getting hit by a vehicle more than getting robbed), but I think a rest stop is generally fine unless it's in a known bad area. We have overnighted at a rest area overlooking Palo Duro Canyon - we had reservations in the canyon for a few days, but we got there the night before so we could maximize our time in the canyon.

TSW2012 said:

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spieg12 said:

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Damn, I didn't know GM still used those stupid '90s door handles that break every other year.

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Yeah true but you can buy them in a blister pack at any auto parts store.

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GM is so slow to fix known issues. I had a '98 Tahoe and the radiator hose broke off from the back of the block. I went to AutoZone to buy the broken plastic fitting and was shocked to learn they had metal replacements hanging on the shelf and not in the back. They first started installing those things in 1989.