Buying a van and travelling across US

**donkeykong101** · 04-01-2011, 12:38 AM

I’m moving from Australia to the US in a couple of months with my American partner and the plan is to fly into Boston where we have family and then drive across the country to California where we intend to settle down.

I want to buy a cargo van for approximately $5000 in Boston and set up a mattress and bench for preparing meals in the back of it so that we can sleep in it on our journey. I’m alittle stuck though as to what sort of van I should buy? The US seems to not have any of the 4 cylinder Japanese cargo vans that we have here in Australia, instead everything seems to be 6-8 cylinder vans that seem to be enormous, and i’m quite concerned about the fuel efficiency. Some of the models i’ve been researching are Chev Express, GMC Savana, Dodge Sprinter, Ford E-Series. Anyone got any suggestions?

Any other tips or advice you think I should know would be appreciated as well.

**fernykins** · 04-01-2011, 12:51 AM

just remember it has to pass Ca smog .If you plan on living here.
Fern

**pat in east texas** · 04-01-2011, 09:50 AM

Don't know a thing about cars, so no suggestions. Just have a great time!

**2ndGenGranola** · 04-01-2011, 11:03 AM

We have a GMC. It's gas mileage depends upon who is driving it. I am VERY conservative and practice that in my driving. I get close to 20 mpg city driving. When DH gets in my van and we have the display on, the kids will do a countdown watching the display drop as DH's poor driving brings down my mileage.

**Contrary Housewife** · 04-01-2011, 06:27 PM

You might also want to look at getting a pop up trailer camper. They can be found cheap. A Complete Guide To Popup Campers

Look into a KOA membership. Camping & Camp Sites | KOA Campgrounds In most places you cannot just pull a van over and park for the night.

Also look at a AAA membership in case you need towing or roadside assistance. www.aaa.com redirect