Is the Chevy Express 2500 the ULTIMATE Budget Van Overlander?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 พ.ค. 2024
- Are you an aspiring overlander with van life interests? Want a vehicle that combines both van and overlanding in a beautiful union? Enter the Chevy Express 2500. Funny Alex is back with some serious recommendations as he shares both the benefits and some drawbacks of choosing a Chevy Express as your next van overland adventure-mobile. Oh, and P.S., don't you dare miss the blooper reel at the end!!
#slowroamers #vanlife #overlanding #chevyexpress #2wd #diyvanconversion #diyvanbuild #auxbeam #offroadadventure #globetrotterlife #digitalnomad #travelcouplevlogs #weeklyvlog #youtubers
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I have a 2023 AWD Ford Transit with all the bells and whistles so i really have nothing to add to the Chevy Express conversation. But what I can say is Alex, you're totally nailing it with these YT videos. Your talent and hard work is shining through. Keep up the great work! From a fellow BC'er:)
Thanks Robin, I really appreciate the kudos. If you spot, make sure to wave us down!👋🏼👋🏼
I think you're right: Chevy Express IS a great platform. In the end though, it comes down to what you call the "use case", i.e. what the drivers and build designers have done to optimize the vehicle. The things you've done with the van from a DIY perspective, where you've gone, the roads you've chosen have been the game changer. You've made great choices as owners, vanlifers and overlanders. You've truly mastered the platform potential. Excited for your PanAm adventures.
Yup, it's what I have, runs forever, parts availability, mostly it's reliable!!!!!!!
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
As someone who is in the middle of a 2013 Chevy Express 3500 Minibus conversion, I whole heartly agree and appreciate the deeper dive on this reliable platform. Great videos as always. See you on the road in the future!
Heck yeah! Thanks for watching and good luck with the build!🙌🏻🙌🏻
@@SlowRoamers Thanks! I also see we both have a connection to bison/buffalo. 🦬
I’m not a mechanic but we’ve found ways to get mechanical work done in Panama and Colombia where our van is not sold. We rarely drive over 70 kph on pavement and often 30kph on winding back roads. I don’t envy your lack of air conditioning in the cab and I’ll look forward to watching you sweat in Central America. It was 100 degrees yesterday in Cali and the suicide motorcycles were relentless as usual. Cheers from Colombia and our 2020 Promaster getting the drive done.
Yeah, we’re not looking forward to that aspect of it, it’s gonna be rough for sure. Thanks for watching and drive safe!
We started with a 2007 GMC Savana 2500 without cruise control for our first 7 years on the road. But I noticed that it didn't have a mechanical throttle. So I just bought a cruise control lever and replace the one on the column and voila, I had cruise control.
I don't know of any recall for the paint issue but we lovingly named our van "Chippy".
Nice! 😊
Interesting! I haven’t really researched anything like that, maybe I could upgrade/retrofit.
Thats a fantastic name, so fitting!🤣🤣
@@SlowRoamers
I read up on this as well
Sounds like if it’s a drive by wire adding cruise is very simple.
Swap out the blinker stock for the one with cruise.
Plug it in.
If it is the throttle cable style (earlier models like mine 😕) there is more work involved.
It can be done but you need the cc module (they are not available new anymore). You gotta hunt down a used one.
You also need the cruise control blinker stock.
The cable for the cruise to control the throttle body.
I can’t remember, but I thing might have to program the ECU as well.
We're convinced!
Good!
I love my GMC Savana 2500 Quigly 4X4 with the 6.0 ltr and the 6L90 trans. Its a beautiful Beast. I also have a 3500 box van i converted into a tiny house on wheels that i currently live in, almost 10 years now, its got the 4.8 ltr with the 6L 90 trans, its a big white turtle. super reliable.
Heck yeah! They’re such good vans. Spread the word!🤣🤣 Thanks for watching!
I own a van just like this and I can tell you from experience. Change over to cross drilled and slotted rotors, and nothing but Napa ceramic pads. Will stop anything.
We’ll be doing a full power stop brake upgrade as soon as we get back to the states!
Thanks for the great review. I am a new subscriber and am looking forward to following your latest journey. I have a 2010 GMC Savana self converted with a high top, same engine and overall spec. so it's great to hear all the positive feedback about it's suitability for adventure. Great stuff!
Awesome! Thanks for following along, Richard. Glad you liked the video. It’s always nice when you’re affirmed on a decision you’ve already made, ain’t it?🤣 Thanks for watching!🙌🏻
My favorite is the 2017 Dodge Caravan, basic model which unfortunately means no built in kids entertainment DVD screens. But it does have 2 electric front windows!!!!!!!!
Well, having “overlanded” that very van, I can vouche for its fuel efficiency, space and reliability.🤣🤣
Ooo! I see you got Meg’s outside table done! I’ve had camper-vans for the past 20 years, never had 4WD, and have had tons of fun and adventures (albeit not as adventuresome as yours) without ever missing or wishing for it. 4WD is not necessary to explore, I totally agree. The equipment isn’t the point, it’s the time spent with the people you love and you’ve got that figured out at an early stage. Good for you! I love the bloopers, which prove you often have to look like a maniac to “get the shot”! Thanks for the video and looking forward to all the places your van will take you!
Indeed, I think identifying the priorities that matter is a good practice. I’ve missed out on a lot of adventure and travel time by spending lots of time building “the perfect rig” just to find out that what I was building wasn’t quite right. Thanks for watching Tiki Envy’s, we’ll be back on the road soon and showing you what BC really looks like. 😊
That intro is 11/10
Thanks my friend. I had a lot of fun with it. I wish I could have done more.😊
Agreed!!
@@SlowRoamers very overlandy
@@b.s.adventures9421 yessssss🙌🏻🤣
I would have to agree. I have a 2000 Silverado 4x4 with 238k miles. Bought from the original owner at about 100k it burns no oil between changes, has never broken down on the road and with the 4.8 if I keep it at 60mph I can get around 20 mpg. I haven't experienced the paint issue, most people think I have had it repainted but lucky for me, it was pampered from day one and still in great condition. Hang on to yours, it's true, "they don't make 'em like that anymore!"
I’d love 20mpg…or even 17mpg. We’re a little heavy for that though. I think the paint issue is only on the vans. You’re absolutely right, they don’t make’’em like they used to!” 🤣 Thanks for watching!
@@SlowRoamers so what mpg do you get?
@@Trajkociklista depends on what kind of driving, about 12-15mpg
@@SlowRoamers well, considering that a a relatively small 1.9t Jeep ZJ with a V8 does that sort or milage(when I'm really really careful with the throttle 😅 steady 60 on a flat motorway is around 15, 13.5 at 75) 15-12 for a big chunk of a full sized van loaded with all the camper van stuff - doesn't sound that bad at all.
I imagined it would be more like 10-8 with such a large and heavy vehicle
Do you have an idea how much does the van weigh in its roadtrip mode?
@@Trajkociklista yeah, it’s certainly not horrible. I’m pretty light on the throttle, but as soon as we get off highway the mileage plummets pretty quick. Road trips mode, which means always, is 8700lbs right now.
I have a express 3500 small box truck with the single rear wheels.
The box is the same width of the van body.
I’m converting it into a overland-ish camper.
I to have traveled extensively into wild back country with 2wd trucks.
A small lift, good tires, a locker, and a touch of skill will get you pretty damn far.
Preach it man! 😁🙌🏻
@@SlowRoamers
What locker or limited slip did you put in your rear end ?
Is it the Dana super 70 ?
That’s what my van has.
Can’t find much of anything for them.
There’s the rare factory g80 locker.
But that’s like finding hens teeth.
My research shows me the super 70 is different than the HD Dana 70 (which there are lots of parts for).
So is this RWD you and he has?
@@bdmenne yep, just RWD.😊
@@SlowRoamers I was interested in the Mercedes Metris. A lil concerned about it not being AWD. But I know it’s mechanics is $$$$.
Your rig looks like the Goldilocks between Metris $ my Dodge Caravan Minivan
Great video 📹 dude
Thanks amigo!🙌🏻🙌🏻
Great explanation! Love the pragmatic mentality when approaching the build and making a case for 2WD👍
🙌🏻🙌🏻
The positive thing about the Chevrolet and GMC models is nothing has been appreciably changed since 1996 so parts are available - cannot say the same for Ford who often changes parts twice in a year so parts can be iffy especially if you break down in a small town.
Totally agree!
Don’t forget that the Express Van/Savana are LWB for the extended models, whereas the Fords have the overhang of a frigging school bus 😅
@@miggster324 No doubt, which reduced the departure angle.
Econoline parts are EVERYWHERE
@@reidcrosby6241We are comparing apples and oranges - A new Chevy has most parts interchangeable clear back almost 30 years but a brand new Ford Transit does not
Nice video thx for sharing your opinion!
Hahaha, that doesn’t happen often, someone thanking you for your opinion.🤣 thanks for watching!🙌🏻🙌🏻
Just bought a GMC Savanna cargo van in March. (Chevy express with a different label on it. 🤗) Have been outfitting it as a weekend camper van while still using it to drive to work 5 days a week. I agree with what you said about this van being a great platform. Everything you said has made me feel good about my choice and the options I might have for future upgrades to lights and roof height, etc. I like having clearance underneath, and the ability to fit in a normal size parking space. Very practical, and very simple. But mine does have electric windows and a working AC (which is nice) and cruise control (which I really appreciate on long trips.) No navigation or blind spot monitor or parking assist or other fancy doodads though. No hands free phone either, just a very simple radio. I was looking for a truck like you could buy 20 years ago before trucks became expensive luxury status symbols. (Why do trucks have back seats and short beds? How are you going to haul lumber or do anything practical in them?) But I also wanted an enclosed cargo space and that is why I was looking at the Express/Savanna vans.
Nice! Great choice! I’ve been continuously pleasantly surprised by the van. I’m quite sure it will continue to serve you well as long as you keep up with basic maintenance. Thanks for watching!🙌🏻
All the reasons I have my van 😎
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Good choice.
I like to think so.😊🙌🏻
We had a ‘98 gmc Savana 1500 conversion (so the clone of the Chevy express) and drive it up to 700,000km. Pulling a trailer.
In the end it was the conversion electrical system that made us sell it. Too buggy. But the platform was great.
Love to see the more of the vehicle. Great content.
Thanks so much! There’s plenty to come!🙌🏻
Nice video, def happy with my 08 3500!!
Heck yeah man! 🙌🏻 Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the info Alex! As you know, I have the same model that you do, and YES that paint is horrible. But I appreciate the info on rear axle etc... I'm retired now, and working part time, but definitely thinking about the van and next steps. Currently it is being used as a mobile bike shop, although that will hopefully change over the next couple of years. THANKS again!!
You’re more than welcome, Jackie! Thanks for watching.😊
they are the best cargo van. I have had a few. the check engine light is also been a problem with the ones I have owned. unfortunately gm is going to discontinue the express vans and go electric.
I knoooooww, what a sad reality. The last of the greats is going out of production. 🫤
Love the video, man. Full sized cargo/passenger vans, especially retired ambulances, are fantastic platforms. I like the Express Vans over the Econolines, especially the LWB.
If you don’t mind me asking, how come you got the 4.8, instead of the 5.3 or the 6.0?
I personally didn’t make the decision, Meg my partner purchased the van prior to us meeting. I likely would have got a bigger engine had I know what I know now and was present during the purchase.
@@SlowRoamers ah gotcha I hear ya, still a fantastic platform.
I'm not a fan boy of any specific brand and I think there are always pros and cons to all of them. I went with the Econoline purely because there are just so many of them and they are easy, cheap, and did I mention just so many of them! They did make more of them and for a longer time period if I recall correctly compared to Chevy, but honestly I wanted a solid front axle and not CV axles on the few Chevy's I did find for sale. There were so many $$$$$ Sprinters and Transits, but just a few more Econoline's 4x4 for sale when I was looking. I think from 1993 to now the Fords are all very similar with the main changes being about the different engine options, or the smaller parts on E150s (nobody should convert those IMHO). You can bolt a 2010+ front clip on a 1993 if you wanted it to look newer. Also the 5x7 headlights is an option as well, oh and I got my high-top for $150 at a junkyard and did it myself! I did however buy a 4x4 converted van and agree 100% with you about 2WD is all that's needed most the time. I came from a 2WD Class C RV towing a Jeep TJ and took that RV across creeks and to places most wouldn't. Not once did I get stuck, the 2WD with better tires and lower air pressure goes a LONG ways. I've been in the 4x4 E350 for almost 3 months now with ~5000 miles with close to 1k being off road. This comment comes from BLM and Starlink actually LOL. So far I've had to use 4x4 four or five times and most of them were on OHV trails. I've only used 4x4 once on a Forest road and that was earlier in the season with a pretty bad washout area, actually got the front tire off the ground then. Hope to catch ya out camping sometime, cheers and safe travels! -Tom
Thanks for the comment, Tom! I do agree, the solid front axle option that ford comes with is primo. The next truck I build will have a ford front end in it.🤣 Keep an eye out for us, we’re around. 🙌🏻
@SlowRoamers Nice! I'd like to build something sorta like the "AVEON RV", but smaller, on an older chassis and with a 12v Cummins 🤣 Gonna keep dreaming about it 🍻
@@joulemine Cummins swap EVERYTHING! I have dreamt of putting a 12valve in a truck one day, but have recently been turned off them due to their weight. They're such a heavy vehicle engine that they really begin to wear on steering parts. Not particularly ideal for super remote/ long term travel...although, I could be totally wrong.
@SlowRoamers Powerstrokes (6.7 & 7.3) along with the 5.9 Cummins are all right at 1000 lbs for the engine. Gas V8s are about half that typically. Tons of F250s and F550s with plenty of miles on them. The Dodge axles were known for wearing balljoints. I like the 12 Valve purely for the mechanical fuel pump and ease to get it working. It's like 4 or 5 wires 😆. Its also known for good MPGs. Honestly, driveshafts become an issue on longer wheel bases with heavy rigs anyway. So it's not like it'd be possible to do the same wheeling a properly set up Yota, Jeep, etc would do. Pros and Cons to everything for sure. I've seen a few TDI swapped TJs and JKs, even a 4BT Cummins, but they have to be tuned up and higher RPMs for power. Not sure they'd go well with a heavy camper 🤷♂️
I was looking for a used one of those for years but for some reason the used market was really beat up more than the Ford ones. Ended up with the Ford version of your van. 4.6 e250 shorty. I think the "overlanding" equipment aftermarket is a bit larger on the Ford side but it's got its own problems like spark plugs popping out. Haha. Have you gotten your 4.8 tuned? Looking at getting mine done to help with some of those hills.
They’ve all got their issues in some form or the other, but yeah, there’s a little more aftermarket support for Ford for whatever reason. I haven’t done a tune. I’d be a little skeptical of it, I do find that although the factory tune may not be as fuel efficient or powerful, it’s safe, and that’s mainly what we need out of a motor for our trip.
Chevy always wins dollar for dollar but all ur mods take tons of time compared to a much better off the shelve Ford that is always the most reliable for off the lot playpens! Pls dont loose your channels appeal to appease the gear heads.. I joined to see nature, secrete spots, unique meals and hippy love vibes of others ya’ll meet, not mechanical dominance.. hope my 2 sense is just a welcome as yours. Peace love and gratitude for all of your episodes. As always more drone footage 🤓🥰
True, there are a lot of perks to driving a ford. Worry not, we’ll be back on the road soon. We’ve just been stopped off at my parents place for while as we do the last repairs and changes before leaving for the North. Admittedly, I don’t love doing the tech/ wrenching videos and would much prefer to be actually be telling a story, but that requires a moving and working vehicle in our case. Thanks for watching and I appreciate your honesty. 😊
my 4.8 is pissed that I did the weldtec 5" lift
lol, it’s a plucky little motor, but def gets bogged down with weight, big tires and height.
I did like the hat😊
Don’t worry, it’ll make more appearances.🤣
Love this build except for the led headlights! Blinding oncoming drivers is dangerous.
I can’t disagree with that, however I think a lot of it has to do with people not aiming their lights accordingly.
i'd love to see you swap a ls in 1 day without complications :D
lol, not sure we’re going to do a bigger engine on the van, but we will do it on another vehicle. That was a hint.😉
Ah, I see what you meant now. Well, perhaps a day is a little quick, but nonetheless, apparently it’s a relatively easy swap.
Awesome van! I’m torn between a van and a pick up truck for my family. I like that the truck has 4x4 already and has more comfortable and modern features, but I like that the van has way more interior space. I don’t understand why these vans don’t have a 4x4 option from the factory. I know yours is 2WD and is very capable, but it just seems silly to me since they are very similar to a pick up truck. I’ve got 5 in my family so I don’t think all of us will be able to sleep inside comfortably so I would probably just set it up as a gear hauler with a removable platform bed in back that we can use in a pinch.
I agree, seeing as it’s pretty close to a truck chassis, 4x4 is fitting, however I think we have to look at it from a use-case and manufacturer point of view. The van was built as a contractor/ delivery van, based in cities. I don’t think Chevy would likely have profited from a 4x4 van like they would from a more affordable 2wd van. That being said, there is an AWD 1500 model. Our choices to keep the van 2WD aren’t for everyone. I would have likely searched for a 4wd option if I had been purchasing with Meg, but I’m happy with how the van has performed otherwise. Thanks for watching!
@@SlowRoamers most pickups are used in cities as contractor vehicles as well in 2WD and 4x4. The vast majority of pick ups I see are 4x4 in northern USA with ice and snow. If just seems odd to me that it was never an option
@@woolengrappler If only we had say in manufacturers choices eh? haha
😁 Best van in my opinion.
Yep!
Thank you for this! I prefer the Chevy van myself. I’d like a newer one than 06’ though, before putting $$ into a conversion. The older, the higher mileage (I’m finding only 150k+}, & plastic parts get crumbly. I’ve seen that the newer ones got the dreaded afm engines w/fatal lifters - but the 2500 & 3500 did not? Hard to find accurate info. Did I miss your discussion of the rear axle? I’ve read that it’s an oddball Dana & difficult to add a locker. That & proper tires could save a lot of trouble even w/out 4x4. Which I don’t really want. If I could solve all this, I agree that the Chevy is the superior platform for me. Is there a good website w/specs? Really do enjoy your channel.
Nice thing is, because Chevy didn’t really change much throughout the years, changing out all those crumbly plastic bits is pretty easy. Also, keep in mind that the newer engines also get a few more sensors, which is fine until they don’t work any more. Ours did come with the oddball Dana 60 and that’s why we upgraded to the Dana 70 HD3. Honestly, at this point, the only the van is REALLY lacking is a transfer case with lower gears, it’s got plenty of traction. We’ve considering just popping in a transfer case but we’ve also run out of time, gotta hit the road. We don’t have anything up in the of van details on our website, but perhaps we should do that. Thanks for watching and commenting!🙌🏻
Sorry dude... Our 2014 AWD cargo Savana 3 inch lift 5.3 litre with upgrade suspension Rocks.... Mexico 8 times
lol, I’m quite sure it does. 🙌🏻
Great vid!
That is my thinking as well with the Transit (a/w ARB locker) - Being able get out there far enough where 97.5% of the rest can't/don't/won't get to is my happy place.
BTW - I'm not sure if your hip to this - but the Reverse Peace sign ✌ (that u flashed ) means "Up Yours" (little public service announcement-:)
lol, I certainly didn’t consider that, although I’m not sure as many folks from my generation or people not from the UK would recognize that. But I’ll keep that in mind for next time.🤣✌🏼
@@SlowRoamers Too Funny - As it happened I recently subbed to a British centric streamer & they certainly use it a sh*t tonne.
Yea that peace sign thing must be something new cuz I've been using that for 30+ years and nobody has ever gotten the wrong message.
@@Datzneat ✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼
@@TerryManitoba that certainly makes more sense.🤣
Hi Alex, Thanks for a very informative video. May I know how much it costs to have a medium roof installed on a Chevy Express?
About ten thousand US depending on how much work you have the factory do - windows insulation etc…barebones around $7000.
It would be best to put an email into High Top Vans. Their prices are quite competitive and their service is excellent. It was a while ago, but We definitely didn’t pay $7k like @conchscooter has mentioned.
It sounds like it’s probably Fiberine or Wasatch you’re referencing? HTV is far less expensive than that as I recall.
Thank you for the info.@@SlowRoamers
How is it with driving in high winds on the road with the high top? Did you ever feel like you would tip over? Or do you just reduce speed?
The van is reasonably wide and the top is certainly one of the more aerodynamic of the available tops, plus it’s only a medium top. We’ve never had crazy violent sidewinds like what they get in the Midwest, but I don’t think it would be much of an issue.
I have a medium hightop ford wheel chair van. Drove cross country twice Driven thru Wyoming during "high profile vehicle wind warnings" with absolutely no issues.
Paint started peeling and would not stop at about 70k miles. First transmission at 90K miles, second at 160k, and third at about 190k. Both rebuilt and new. Would not buy.
Ooof, that sounds rough. Everyone has their different experiences with everything.
Totally different vehicle but I have a 2013 Hyundai Elantra with 192,000 MI. I work all over the country in the summer and the only thing that's ever gone wrong mechanically was an alternator when steering arm needed replaced in one ball joint
i really cant pick. ford e350 or the chevy2500 ugh
lol, both are great options, honestly.
Chevy
سلام من ازایران فیلمهای شماراتماشامیکنم میشه سئوال کنم قیمت این ونهای مسافرتی
به دوردنیامسافرت میکنیدقیمتش چنده ایا
ماشین تويوتا بهتره با این ون ممنونم جواب بدیددوست دارم به ایران هم تشریف بیارید 11:23 ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you for watching, I'm glad you enjoy our videos. Depending on the condition of the van, it will cost between $4000 CAD to $20,000 CAD for newer models with fewer kilometers on the engine. I don't disagree that Toyota's are often a better vehicle; however, Toyota's rarely have the kind of load capacity that we like to have. Maybe we will make it to Iran one day :).
I watch alot of vanlife videos but when they start talking so much im done. Im just here to see the van not the people.
Yeah, I get that.
Lol I agree most are just following like the same theme but alot of "van lifers" on TH-cam make stuff for content and the majority of people eat it up. It is kind of tired and annoying if you're not into just following someone's life in their van. But this video is actually very informative and enjoyable. And this guy has 68 videos of this van build on the channel! Cmon man! 😂 Gotta look a lil deeper! ✌️