In the Market for an 8-15 passenger van

Last post on Sep 10, 2009 at 6:18 PM

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#1 of 1 In the Market for an 8-15 passenger van by jkenny5150 Sep 10, 2009 (6:18 pm)
Hi Everyone, I'm new to the forum... just looking for some information to get started on researching used vans - I'm looking for a used van with up to 100K miles, preferrably less. I'm hoping to spend less than $8K on the vehicle. I run a series of cycling and triathlon camps where I will need to transport up to 8 passengers plus 8-10 bicycles (with front wheel taken off) and a week's worth of luggage for 8 people (~8 large bags and 10-15 backpacks). I'm also looking to use this as a personal vehicle for camping trips and as an alternate to pricey hotels (looking for enough extra floor space for a full size mattress). I think what I need is a 15 passenger van, and then I will remove the 2 rear bench seats. I'm not sure if there are other options like extended 8 passenger vans or 12 passenger vans and whether these are typically the same body style and size with just a different seat configuration. Right now, I only see models by Chevy, GMC, Dodge, and Ford. It looks like foreign companies like VW, Toyota, etc. have not even attempted to make a comparable vehicle. I'm looking to compile a list of makes and models that would fit these needs. Right now, I have GMC Savana, Ford E350, Chevy Express, and Dodge Ram Wagon... looking for others. Also, probably a long shot, but does anyone have experience installing permanent bike racks on the interior of a van? Thanks in advance for your input.

#1 of 1: In the Market for an 8-15 passenger van by jkenny5150; Sep 10, 2009 (6:18 pm)

Hi Everyone,
I'm new to the forum... just looking for some information to get started on researching used vans -
I'm looking for a used van with up to 100K miles, preferrably less. I'm hoping to spend less than $8K on the vehicle. I run a series of cycling and triathlon camps where I will need to transport up to 8 passengers plus 8-10 bicycles (with front wheel taken off) and a week's worth of luggage for 8 people (~8 large bags and 10-15 backpacks). I'm also looking to use this as a personal vehicle for camping trips and as an alternate to pricey hotels (looking for enough extra floor space for a full size mattress).
I think what I need is a 15 passenger van, and then I will remove the 2 rear bench seats. I'm not sure if there are other options like extended 8 passenger vans or 12 passenger vans and whether these are typically the same body style and size with just a different seat configuration. Right now, I only see models by Chevy, GMC, Dodge, and Ford. It looks like foreign companies like VW, Toyota, etc. have not even attempted to make a comparable vehicle. I'm looking to compile a list of makes and models that would fit these needs. Right now, I have GMC Savana, Ford E350, Chevy Express, and Dodge Ram Wagon... looking for others. Also, probably a long shot, but does anyone have experience installing permanent bike racks on the interior of a van?
Thanks in advance for your input.