Better Than a Sprinter? Why the Chevy Express 2500 is the ULTIMATE Budget Van Life Overlander. 

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!

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.

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:)

Yup, it's what I have, runs forever, parts availability, mostly it's reliable!!!!!!!

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!"

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.

I am still driving my 88 Toyota for a reason! Simple, easy to work on- can go anywhere.

Intro was pure GOLD.

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.

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.

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".

Didn't know GM put a Dana 60 in any of those G2500s. It's usually a Corporate 14 Bolt Semi Floating with the 9.5" ring gear. Lockers are available for those as well. A swap to a 5.3 would be a waste, as they only make about 10HP more than the 4.8, plus most 5.3 engines from non commercial vehicles have the AFM system on them. GM never put the 5.3 in the commercial trucks or vans; it was always the 4.3, 4.8, or 6.0. Some later model 2500/3500s have the 6L90 transmission which gives you two extra speeds. Love the looks of your build by the way. Im currently working on a 2016 2500 135" WB, which happens to have the 4.8. The best part about them is that they are a Chevy and parts are available nearly everywhere and interchangeable with so many other models.

Great explanation! Love the pragmatic mentality when approaching the build and making a case for 2WD👍

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.

A good set of tire chains when your vehicle is challenging traction conditions would greatly make up for the lack of 4x4 capability. Think Trygg chains.

@SlowRoamers I just discovered your channel while researching Chevy vans. Thank you for making this fantastic video and I am now your new subscriber. What model year is your van? I am currently shopping for a used Chevy which I plan to set up for occasional camping trips. A question for you and other experienced readers who are willing to share the experience and knowledge. What would be the best model year(s), what engine size and what tranny would you look for if you were in the market for a used Chevy? My budget for just buying a van is under $10 k. Thanks in advance and best wishes from Maryland!!!

wow wow wow this is a 2 wheels drive ?????!! wow wow wow! Amazing!!

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!

I’m watching from my 21 Chevy express 2500. I have the 6.6l I need the short wheelbase. I think it was a U-Haul rig. Other the the low top, I’m loving mine!

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.

We're convinced!

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.

A inverter and a house ac will solve your problems

Nice rig, Happy travels.

Love this build except for the led headlights! Blinding oncoming drivers is dangerous.

Good choice.

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!!!!!!!!

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!

All the reasons I have my van 😎

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.

Thank you

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!!

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.

Nice video thx for sharing your opinion!

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.

Love to see the more of the vehicle. Great content.

Nice video, def happy with my 08 3500!!

That intro is 11/10

my 4.8 is pissed that I did the weldtec 5" lift

Great video 📹 dude

i'd love to see you swap a ls in 1 day without complications :D

thumbs up!

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

I like the chevy express but they are outnumbered by fords about 10:1. No joke. I wash shocked.

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 🤓🥰

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?

Sorry dude... Our 2014 AWD cargo Savana 3 inch lift 5.3 litre with upgrade suspension Rocks.... Mexico 8 times

I did like the hat😊

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.

Thanks for the video, you got me interested in the rear axle and engine swap. Just bought a used 2014 chevy express 3500 15 passenger van 4.8l which apparently comes with a free floating rear differential and for sure comes with a gutless motor. LSD was an optional upgrade when bought brand new, havent looked to see if it has it yet. Im assuming that means adding lsd to the current axle might be an option? I have a 6.7 cummins and still take it easy uphill anyways :)

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.

About the paint, what did you end up coating it with? Nice vehicle by the way.

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?

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-:)

4l80e trans is much better than the 4l60e.

i really cant pick. ford e350 or the chevy2500 ugh

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?

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.

its probably cheaper than a transit or Sprinter, but it looks like it from 2004..

Great vid!

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 ❤❤❤❤❤❤

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.

😁 Best van in my opinion.