Date: Sat, 23 Mar 2013 03:52:50 -0500
Reply-To: JRodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: JRodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Beyond Vanagon
In-Reply-To: <1363981244.69536.YahooMailClassic@web184906.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
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I would be willing to bet you can't get that thing into parking decks -
at least not like a tin-top Vanagon.
John
On 3/22/2013 2:40 PM, Richard Koerner wrote:
> Since it's Friday, I'll put this out:
> http://wot.motortrend.com/2014-ram-promaster-cargo-van-starts-at-29625-diesel-is-4000-more-337795.html#axzz2OITfgyOz
>
> Anybody
> thinking beyond Vanagon? I love my 85 tintop Vanagon and it's
> predecessor a 70 Baywindow. Been lots of fun and adventure over the
> past 39 years. Roadtrips will always be a part of my life, and I've
> been thinking about a future vehicle. The future may be arriving soon.
> October.
>
> Have been reading a lot online about MB Sprinters, and
> then was getting excited about then new Ford Transit (not Transit
> Connect). Both seemed to be okay platforms. But have now discovered the
> Fiat Ducato, a huge seller in Europe and currently being made in Mexico
> and re-badged as a Chrysler Ram ProMaster. In USA showrooms this October. Like the others, will be
> available in an array of
> bodies and wheelbases. For me, I would start out with an empty cargo
> van with the high roof, 116-inch wheelbase, and then build out my own camping interior.
>
> Really
> like the front-wheel drive of the ProMaster which results in lowest
> step-in height in it's class. Also, pretty tight turning radius (gets
> bigger with the mid- and long-wheelbase versions). Gas engine has an
> impressive 27 MPG highway; diesel engine is an option for $4K more.
> Presumably, parts and service would be readily available across the
> entire North American continent. And the price is reasonable too for
> the cargo versions (passenger versions not announced yet). The version I
> want looks to be around $32K.
>
> I'm sure the van conversion people
> will be all over this vehicle! And lots of interior goodies to shop
> for from the RV equipment suppliers. My plan is to buy such a vehicle
> in the next couple years, then design (I used Solidworks 3D
> CAD) a versatile interior that meets my needs and desires, and then
> build it out. Would be a labor of love I imagine. But have done the
> same with my Vanagon. The goal is to have a 4 season retirement vehicle
> for travels across the continent over the next 20 years.
>
> Take a look at the above link (copy and paste as needed).....plenty of information out there, more arriving daily. What do ya'll think?
>
> Rich
> San Diego
>
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