ram van for coast to coast travel

[whatnext05]

Hello everyone--
I'm considering the purchase of a 2001 Ram conversion van 1500 3.9L V6. One of its tasks will be a coast-to-coast round trip this spring/summer, towing a lightweight trailer (under 1000 lb).

Does anyone have experience with this model van on long trips, especially over steep terrain? Thanks!

[RAM MAN]

Welcome to the site

good questions

I moved this to the VAN forum, so it would get more input here

My first thought is: since you are you towing

you might want to consider a V8 ....

[whatnext05]

Thanks for the move, and I think I will check out V8's instead.

Also, I see from the posts in the "Do you tow" thread that I may have a problem getting a hitch installed on a van that has a step bumper, so I'll take that into consideration....

[RAM MAN]

sounds like a good idea

[Dodgevanman]

You'll find that the Ram Van to a very comfortable long distance traveler. As Ram Man said consider the V8 model and at least a 2500 series for a conversion. I also recommend you get the 127" wheelbase van rather than a 109" wheelbase van. I think after 1998 the conversion vans were built on a 1500 chassis rather than a 2500 chassis like years prior.

[whatnext05]

Thanks, Nate

Hmmm...Since I'd like a low mileage van, it could be hard to find a pre-99 conversion. I may skip the conversion van idea and look at basic cargo vans. I only want a few amenities, and maybe I could find a custom converter do do those things.

Doug

[SPs 77 Dodge]

Or you could do it yourself. There are a lot of custom vans around. Also check out vannin.com. There are a lot of helpful people over there.

[Dodgevanman]

Hey SP77..my grandfather had a '77 Sportsman on 109" wheelbase years ago. It was Dodge tan with painted wheels and bumpers and he used to tow a travel trailer with it. I remember when he went down to have cruise control installed on it, oh geez back in the early 80's. He would do the "Fred Flintstone" feet thing when he had it on. Ah the memories.