Conversion van? We want to be the family that's always going somewhere

[smkiya]

We never really took vacations when I was a kid. We went to Disney World when I was 9, and we really just took day trips to Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, PA. In my late teens/early 20's, I was always off somewhere. My first real date with DH was to Ft. Lauderdale/Key West. It was easy and inexpensive because he and I worked in a hotel and got $25/night room rates! I went to Canada, Mexico, Florida (all the time because along with the $25 room rate, RT airline tickets were only $99), California, etc. I regret though passing up a 2 month European trip and another 2 week excursion in Costa Rica with my girlfriend.

After visiting Southern California, DH and I moved there for a few years and then came back to Jersey (he missed his family, I loved it there!!!!). We got married (in Niagara Falls), bought a house and started a family. After September 11th I developed a flying phobia .

Now that we have a family and have matured I am anxious to start traveling again. DH loves relaxing vacations. I love "doing" stuff and seeing "new" things. He is content spending a week on a beach and while I like the beach, I need activity! My dd loves amusement parks! Being in Jersey is great, because we have the Jersey Shore only an hour away. There are so many different beaches, many with boardwalks, and rides. We take a lot of day trips there.

It wasn't until this last vacation (last minute) to The White Mountains, NH that we realized how much we missed traveling! I love exploring new places. Next year we'd like to go to Lake George, NY. In 2012, we'll do Disney again at Ft. Wilderness (maybe squeeze in a 3 night DCL cruise)! I'd like to do the Grand Canyon in 2013. I get so much time off at work, that I'd like to squeeze in many more trips to different destinations (inexpensively) in between. We live so close to so many places. I don't like to fly, but I also don't like listening to dh complain about how cramped he is (he's 6'2), and dd "are we there yet?" I was considering getting a conversion van next year to use for our long trips (2+ hour). Anyone have one? What are your thoughts?

 

[5lilfish]

We have a conversion van. We have 5 kids and we drive for almost all of our vacations (20 hr road trips). The van is very comfortable in terms of giving everyone room. The 26 inch flat screen TV with DVD (and game system hook up - we have not used this) is great. The ride can be a bit bumpy in the back. It doesn't handle quite as well as driving our minivan....but it's not bad. All and all, I am happy we bought it. It's much nicer to have the extra room.

Jess

 

[smkiya]

We have a conversion van. We have 5 kids and we drive for almost all of our vacations (20 hr road trips). The van is very comfortable in terms of giving everyone room. The 26 inch flat screen TV with DVD (and game system hook up - we have not used this) is great. The ride can be a bit bumpy in the back. It doesn't handle quite as well as driving our minivan....but it's not bad. All and all, I am happy we bought it. It's much nicer to have the extra room.

Jess

What do you mean when you say it doesn't handle as well? What is the make/model?

 

[5lilfish]

What do you mean when you say it doesn't handle as well? What is the make/model?

There's nothing wrong with it. It's just a BIG van. It handles like a truck...where our Honda Odyssey (minvan) handles like a car. We have a GMC Savanah Explorer (9 passenger with the higher top). There aren't too many different makes/models of conversion vans.

Jess

 

[Colleen27]

We had a full size GM conversion van for a while, but I honestly prefer my minivan and with some of the available options now you can get most of the comforts of a conversion with the better mileage and handling of a minivan.

Right now, I'm driving a Venture and there are some things I miss about my conversion, particularly the swiveling middle row seating and the table that set up between the 2nd & 3rd rows, but that's available on the Town & Country now. We never had/wanted a TV in the car, but that's available on just about everything these days. What I don't miss about the conversion is getting 15mpg or driving a vehicle that handles more like my husband's F250 than a car.

 

[golfgal]

One thing to consider is that the conversion vans often don't fit in parking ramps. We have some friends that had one and that was a big issue for them.

I have to agree that a Minivan for 3 people would be more practical-and WAY better gas mileage. Most minivans allow you to remove the center seats or fold them into the floor and that will give your DH ample leg room.

Try renting one for a weekend trip and see how you like it.

 

[smkiya]

One thing to consider is that the conversion vans often don't fit in parking ramps. We have some friends that had one and that was a big issue for them.

I have to agree that a Minivan for 3 people would be more practical-and WAY better gas mileage. Most minivans allow you to remove the center seats or fold them into the floor and that will give your DH ample leg room.

Try renting one for a weekend trip and see how you like it.

Thanks. I always said I'd never get a minivan. I will research the Town and Country, though. Maybe I'll convert.

 

[daughtersrus]

We never really took vacations when I was a kid. We went to Disney World when I was 9, and we really just took day trips to Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, PA. In my late teens/early 20's, I was always off somewhere. My first real date with DH was to Ft. Lauderdale/Key West. It was easy and inexpensive because he and I worked in a hotel and got $25/night room rates! I went to Canada, Mexico, Florida (all the time because along with the $25 room rate, RT airline tickets were only $99), California, etc. I regret though passing up a 2 month European trip and another 2 week excursion in Costa Rica with my girlfriend.

After visiting Southern California, DH and I moved there for a few years and then came back to Jersey (he missed his family, I loved it there!!!!). We got married (in Niagara Falls), bought a house and started a family. After September 11th I developed a flying phobia .

Now that we have a family and have matured I am anxious to start traveling again. DH loves relaxing vacations. I love "doing" stuff and seeing "new" things. He is content spending a week on a beach and while I like the beach, I need activity! My dd loves amusement parks! Being in Jersey is great, because we have the Jersey Shore only an hour away. There are so many different beaches, many with boardwalks, and rides. We take a lot of day trips there.

It wasn't until this last vacation (last minute) to The White Mountains, NH that we realized how much we missed traveling! I love exploring new places. Next year we'd like to go to Lake George, NY. In 2012, we'll do Disney again at Ft. Wilderness (maybe squeeze in a 3 night DCL cruise)! I'd like to do the Grand Canyon in 2013. I get so much time off at work, that I'd like to squeeze in many more trips to different destinations (inexpensively) in between. We live so close to so many places. I don't like to fly, but I also don't like listening to dh complain about how cramped he is (he's 6'2), and dd "are we there yet?" I was considering getting a conversion van next year to use for our long trips (2+ hour). Anyone have one? What are your thoughts?

As a family of 5, we purchased on van 13 years ago. It's got over 160,000 miles on it and it's still running strong and in great shape. We get about 15 mpg unless we're towing our travel trailer. It's nice that it has a big gas tank (33gallons) so we don't have to stop to fill up too often. Of course when we do, it's a big bill.

The extra rooms is great. We have a tv and vcr/dvd combo but haven't used it in years (the kids are much older). The first time our girls saw it (they were 7 and 10 at the time), they asked DH why it didn't have cable. DH's quick reply was that we'd have to drive the exact same way back to wind up the cable back into the van. Of course they didn't get it but we still joke about it today.

One thing to consider is that the conversion vans often don't fit in parking ramps. We have some friends that had one and that was a big issue for them.

I have to agree that a Minivan for 3 people would be more practical-and WAY better gas mileage. Most minivans allow you to remove the center seats or fold them into the floor and that will give your DH ample leg room.

Try renting one for a weekend trip and see how you like it.

We have a full size Ford E-150 conversion van and don't have any trouble parking even in Chicago. I think that parking becomes an issue if you have a "high top" but otherwise it's the same size as a "work" van.

 

[Wis2InTink]

We had a full size GMC conversion van from l989 to 2010 and just loved it. It had 160,000 miles on it and had very little use the last 6 years after the kids were out of college. Sold it to some young kids who have a rock band! I was sad to see it go because of the wonderful memories of family trips. We did have to park in a special spot for a D.C. trip, but it was very secure. I would suggest an electric controlled movable rear bench seat. Our friends had that, but we did not. It provides additional storage when needed. I'm only 5 feet tall and liked sitting higher up for better vision.

 

[jbmom]

I also have a Econoline E 150. I love it for traveling and everyday driving. It does take a little getting used to, but for the comfort its great. Gas mileage isn't great, but I don't drive a ton. We are a family of 4 and originally needed something bigger to tow our camper. The one negative for me is that it is rear wheel drive. We live in the snowbelt of Michigan so I keep weight in the back in the winter. I have never had any problems in parking ramps since they are usually as tall as our garage door.

 

[RUDisney]

We rented a conversion van for 2 of our trips to Maine before I had a minivan. DH doesn't drive when he doesn't know where he's going (he also doesn't navigate, but that's another story.)

The conversion van was nice for travel, but I wouldn't want to drive it all the time. As a PP said, it drives like a truck. I always liked the way my minivans drove. I had 2 Town and Country vans. I also like the Caravan, as I had one of those when a drunk took out my van in front of my house. Luckily, no one was in it and no one was hurt.

Rent one first to decide if you like it or not.

 

[lucyanna girl]

We also have a raised roof GMC Savanah Explorer conversion van. It is the third one we have had over the years and I hope we will always have one.

My van is super comfortable and very roomy. We have taken many road trips and also drive it around home. Our kids friends have always wanted to take my van. The tv/dvd have clocked off many a mile. It is also nice if you purchase a large item.

The gas mileage is not too bad. We can get around seventeen mpg on the road, a little less around home. The comfort level is well worth it, my husband is a big man and he has plenty of room. The power rear seat is a great thing to have.

We laugh because a local car salesman once told us there is little interest in big vans. He should ride with us on a trip sometimes - when you start looking there are a lot of them on the highway.

Parking can be a problem only if a parking structure is the only thing available. Sometimes they have taller spaces on the bottom, sometimes not. In all the years we have had vans it has only been a concern two or three times and each time we were able to work around it. I would not let parking stand in my way.

As for driving, I personally love mine. It is very heavy and hugs the road well, feels very safe. It takes a couple of days to get used to the size and using the mirrors to reverse and then you are good to go. My other personal car is a convertable and fun to zip around in but my van is not hard to drive or rough in the least, very smooth. As a matter of fact I taught my teen daughter to drive in it. If she could drive something that size she can drive anything and she has no problem driving it.


Penny

 

[LuvOrlando]

I kind of have a secret desire to own one of these. I don't know that I really need one but the idea that the 4 of us could just hop in and go on a long road trip with built in beds sounds just perfect to me. We just went on a road trip to Rochester a few weeks ago that was a blast, we really do get along as a family so more road trips (such as to WDW) are sounding better and better. I just use the vehicle to run errands around town and for carpooling my kids and friends to games so gas mileage isn't a big deal to me.

Trouble is I never see the things anywhere, where do you get one? Are some brands better than others? I'm going to be watching this thread with interest since we need to get a bigger vehicle soon.

 

[smkiya]

I kind of have a secret desire to own one of these. I don't know that I really need one but the idea that the 4 of us could just hop in and go on a long road trip with built in beds sounds just perfect to me. We just went on a road trip to Rochester a few weeks ago that was a blast, we really do get along as a family so more road trips (such as to WDW) are sounding better and better. I just use the vehicle to run errands around town and for carpooling my kids and friends to games so gas mileage isn't a big deal to me.

Trouble is I never see the things anywhere, where do you get one? Are some brands better than others? I'm going to be watching this thread with interest since we need to get a bigger vehicle soon.

I just called 3 local dealerships, and none have any new or pre-owned vans on the lot. Dh and I were going to look at some and test drive them tonight, I guess that's out. I did see some pretty good deals on used vans online (ebay, craigslist, etc.). It seems that'd be the best way to go. I don't want/can't afford to spend $50-60,000 on a new one.

I think this would be the best bet for us. I don't think I'd be satisfied w/a minivan. It would be used as a 3rd vehicle for road trips primarily, so I'm looking for the best value.

 

[lucyanna girl]

We live in a little bitty town. When we purchased our current van I also had trouble locating what I wanted. That was when the salesman told me nobody wants a conversion van.

I called the company who had done the conversion on our previous vans. (does the conversions for GM, etc not for us personally). They put me in touch with the representative who served our area. He called me up, found out which package we were interested in and told me where the nearest dealer was located who had what we wanted.

We had to drive 90 minutes because we are so far from any large cities but it was well worth it. At the dealership they gave us a great deal, seems the rep had also called them.

The company I called was the Explorer Van Company. I just looked them up and here is the link.

http://www.explorervan.com/index.asp

Penny

 

[golfgal]

Just another thought, have you considered trying hypnosis or something else to get over your fear of flying? It's a heck of a lot cheaper then buying a van . A friend of my DD's mom used hypnosis last winter to get over her fear of flying and has had great results-has taken 3 trips so far since February.

 

[smkiya]

Just another thought, have you considered trying hypnosis or something else to get over your fear of flying? It's a heck of a lot cheaper then buying a van . A friend of my DD's mom used hypnosis last winter to get over her fear of flying and has had great results-has taken 3 trips so far since February.

I may consider that i the future when the kids are teens and we plan on doing European, South American, and Hawaiin destinations. For now and the next 10 years at least I like the idea of doing family road trips. I like driving. I like seeing new things. What's a better way to see the country than on the open road. Like I said, we live near many different places that we can get to in less than a day's travel, from the North into Canada (7 hours) to Disney in the South (16 hours) and everything in between. We want to go to the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and so many other cool National Parks and cities. I'd like to see and enjoy all of the continental states. For a family of 4, I think we'd spend more on airfare, transfers, and rental cars than the cost of a good used conversion van. I figure for about $12,000 we can get a great deal from a private party. In one year we could take tons of 3-5 day trips. I'm getting really excited about this, and I wish I didn't have to wait until next year when we've saved up for it.

ETA: With a conversion van, we'd have more room and better comfort for all. No dh or dd in my ear. We could use it to go camping, and I'd feel a lot safer in it on the road.

 

[XYSRUS]

Love, love, love our Chevy Express. Tons of room for everybody and everything. I don't drive it in the winter b/c I live in a snow belt and it's no joke. But drive it again in spring and all summer. It's great. Flat screen tv, converters for tapes, DVDs and any gaming system...did I say we love our conversion van!?!

 

[Pinkpony]

We never really took vacations when I was a kid. We went to Disney World when I was 9, and we really just took day trips to Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, PA. In my late teens/early 20's, I was always off somewhere. My first real date with DH was to Ft. Lauderdale/Key West. It was easy and inexpensive because he and I worked in a hotel and got $25/night room rates! I went to Canada, Mexico, Florida (all the time because along with the $25 room rate, RT airline tickets were only $99), California, etc. I regret though passing up a 2 month European trip and another 2 week excursion in Costa Rica with my girlfriend.

After visiting Southern California, DH and I moved there for a few years and then came back to Jersey (he missed his family, I loved it there!!!!). We got married (in Niagara Falls), bought a house and started a family. After September 11th I developed a flying phobia .

Now that we have a family and have matured I am anxious to start traveling again. DH loves relaxing vacations. I love "doing" stuff and seeing "new" things. He is content spending a week on a beach and while I like the beach, I need activity! My dd loves amusement parks! Being in Jersey is great, because we have the Jersey Shore only an hour away. There are so many different beaches, many with boardwalks, and rides. We take a lot of day trips there.

It wasn't until this last vacation (last minute) to The White Mountains, NH that we realized how much we missed traveling! I love exploring new places. Next year we'd like to go to Lake George, NY. In 2012, we'll do Disney again at Ft. Wilderness (maybe squeeze in a 3 night DCL cruise)! I'd like to do the Grand Canyon in 2013. I get so much time off at work, that I'd like to squeeze in many more trips to different destinations (inexpensively) in between. We live so close to so many places. I don't like to fly, but I also don't like listening to dh complain about how cramped he is (he's 6'2), and dd "are we there yet?" I was considering getting a conversion van next year to use for our long trips (2+ hour). Anyone have one? What are your thoughts?

I think it's a great idea! We have a 1999 Dodge conversion van. It gets about 16-17 mpg highway. We've taken it all across the country over the years and it still only has 49,000 miles on it. No fear of flying here, just a fun way to see the sites. We added two flip-down screens to it a couple of years ago, so there's lots of movies and games going on during the really long hauls. There's plenty of room for all the luggage, plus a cooler and snacks. It handles extremely well. I never mind taking my turn at the wheel.

All our friends always want to "borrow" it. Some just returned from a trip to Santa Fe over the weekend. They bought us a set of new tires for letting them take it, so it's good to go again for us this Thanksgiving.

Big thumbs up from me!

 

[smkiya]

I think it's a great idea! We have a 1999 Dodge conversion van. It gets about 16-17 mpg highway. We've taken it all across the country over the years and it still only has 49,000 miles on it. No fear of flying here, just a fun way to see the sites. We added two flip-down screens to it a couple of years ago, so there's lots of movies and games going on during the really long hauls. There's plenty of room for all the luggage, plus a cooler and snacks. It handles extremely well. I never mind taking my turn at the wheel.

All our friends always want to "borrow" it. Some just returned from a trip to Santa Fe over the weekend. They bought us a set of new tires for letting them take it, so it's good to go again for us this Thanksgiving.
Big thumbs up from me!

That's awesome!!!!