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Post by zodiakgsps on Mar 26, 2007 20:41:26 GMT -4
I currently drive a GMC Safari and love it, AWD, good on gas, realiable. Problem is it's to small for 6 dog crates(7 this fall, keeping a pup from my next litter), camping gear, and dog supplies when I travel to field events or take a bunch hunting for the day. If the van was just 2" higher I could stack the crates! As it is, I can only stack small crates, to small for my boys. Thinking of getting a conversion van or full-size van. Any suggestions of ones that are good???
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Post by hounddog on Mar 26, 2007 20:52:31 GMT -4
I would look at a chevy Express or the GMC full size I think they call it a siera Im not shure..I work for chevrolet..I would not recomend a conversion van..They are usually overloaded before you put anything into them..You cant beat GM's new warranty...
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Post by Buckslayer on Mar 26, 2007 20:53:37 GMT -4
dodge did away with there cargo and conversion vans i do believe but they came out with a multipurpose van that would be aw some for you,forget the name of it i can find out but a 8 ft tall man can stand up freely in it..if your thinking about used i would just buy a ford ,dodge,or Chevy work type van cargo van just 2 seats up front and the rest you could haul alot of dogs,you could add bench seats and remove them or add them..a conversion van would be to fancy for what your looking for in my opinion..if i can recall that doge i was talking about above is called a sprinter van..
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Post by zodiakgsps on Mar 26, 2007 21:21:07 GMT -4
Hounddog, I am going to look at the Sierras, have seen them and they may fit the bill. Buck, that dodge van you mentioned, the Sprinter sounds very interesting. How good are Dodge vans?? Are they difficult/expensive to work on, compared to GMC's, have good trannys?? I travel a lot and look at these things, decent gas mileage and especially tranny reliability. Thanks!! ;D
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Post by Buckslayer on Mar 26, 2007 21:39:34 GMT -4
i havent worked for dodge in 3 years but i do rember there trannies are made and built by german engineers [[benz] so they should be bullet proof i can check with my dealer buddies that still work there..yes you can stand up a 8 ft man..i see alot of work van out there using them..if your serious let me know they came out 2 years ago doubt you could find a used one??but maybe..dodge vans are awsome in my eyes ive worked on all 3 american brands ford would be my second choice,,just my opinion
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Post by zodiakgsps on Mar 26, 2007 21:49:01 GMT -4
I don't plan on getting one till mid/late summer, just taking notes now, want to get something good, not impulse buy. Trying to find out pros/cons now, compare MPG, warranties, engine reliability, etc, then narrow down what I want to look for and then go find it!! I appreciate the pointers!!
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Post by Buckslayer on Mar 26, 2007 21:49:05 GMT -4
zodiak try a google search see prices etc or trucktrader.com and i can check with my boys at dodge to see if any good,,im sure they are..
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Post by skwirl on Mar 26, 2007 21:53:46 GMT -4
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Post by Buckslayer on Mar 26, 2007 22:06:06 GMT -4
you could get some decals for the side of it saying your dog grooming shop and write it off on your taxes..[idea]
i like the plane jane cargo one at the bottom for rough use etc..
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Post by zodiakgsps on Mar 26, 2007 22:18:35 GMT -4
I want the Chassis cab, that's awesome!!!! Would love that, but much to expensive I'm sure.....storage spaces, tons of room, could put a cot in that & crates for the dogs & not worry about pitching a tent!!!! Seriously, very nice, like the cargo van, except no windows. Passenger van very nice, plus rear air, great for travelling during hot summer months. Pretty sure these are out of my league though, can't afford a $20-25,000 vehicle, wish I could.
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Post by Buckslayer on Mar 27, 2007 6:43:43 GMT -4
well if its to expensive,id just go with a ford,dodge or chevy cargo van.no windows etc you might be able to find a used one but news gonna be up there also..
now being a bigger van itll probably have a 8 cyl thus less gas mileage youll have to consider..most of these vans will be 2 wheel drive also so its gonna be tought to find what your looking for/needs unless you get a enclosed trailer for your setup to haul your dogs..be sure to get a trans cooler if you do haul a trailer..
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