A few months ago, we discovered that the rental van company Escape Camper Van was shutting down and liquidating all its assets, including its entire fleet of converted rental campers. In an unexpected turn of events, someone I often discussed cars with in a past life stumbled upon that announcement and thought, hey, a pre-owned camper van might be just what I need. So he purchased one.
It’s a tale too dull to recount here, but in another twist, I came across an old chat with that same individual and decided to browse the internet to see what they were currently doing. And there it was, looking back at me: the picture of the same vans I’d written about the previous year. It took a bit more digging to find a way to get in touch, but I sent off a message on impulse. After all, we hadn’t been in touch for 15 years. That’s hardly anything in the era of digital impermanence.
Sure enough, he replied via DM, we exchanged pleasantries (and email addresses), and not long after, Will Angel provided me with a detailed update on “Crayola,” as Escape had dubbed it: a 2012 Ford Econoline adorned with a paint job (not a wrap, believe it or not) that reflected its name, and of course, a bespoke camper interior. It also boasted nearly 350,000 miles on the odometer.
“[A]fter seeing your piece on the bankruptcy auction, my wife and I decided to snag the van to try a different kind of roaming,” he shared. “We picked it up for about $4,300 after all costs and fees, believing that a functional E-150 with a clean title and a successful smog check wasn’t going to cause us significant financial loss.”
That reasoning might be typical in California’s used-car landscape, but $4,300 for a functioning vehicle without a check engine light is certainly noteworthy these days, especially for one that offers this kind of utility. However, due to its unique modifications, Crayola attracted a very specific niche of buyers. Angel thought he and his wife fell into that category.
“We picked it up at a shipping yard in Antioch, where it had been parked among 30 or 40 other Econolines and Transits; the drive home was unusual but not alarming,” he mentioned. “Upon closer inspection, it had old, leaky shocks, required a ball joint replacement, and the rear brakes were metal-on-metal (curiously, the front brakes were brand-new). Not too much effort beyond fluids,” he concluded.
Angel managed to transfer some Yokohama Geolandars from his previous adventurer-spec vehicle, a Honda Element. They just happened to be the right size and load rating, so why not?
“We also did some minor work to the interior, but nothing excessive—constructed a new table, spiced up the curtains, laid down faux wood flooring, installed an economical CarPlay head unit, and repaired some damaged trim,” he informed me. “A friend gifted us a small raven sculpture, so that alongside some abalone and mussel shell artifacts means the van now has a raven shrine.”
“340k miles of who-knows-what is a risk unto itself,” he observed. “Mechanically, I wasn’t too concerned—our chances of finding parts for the van at a rural Montana AutoZone, an unsecured fleet services yard, or a freeway underpass trash site are quite good,” he elaborated.
However, as many people noted in response to our article, a used rental van could be concealing all sorts of mysteries, not solely mechanical ones.
“Regarding its undeniable chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear risks, we sort of relied on bleach, DampRid, and fresh air; it was a solid reason to dismantle things, clean them, and then embrace the challenge of meeting the peculiar standards set by the van’s previous users,” Angel mentioned. “Their objectives and techniques were likely not so different from ours,” he pointed out.
Fair enough.
“We’re working on a California Naturalist certification before heading to work for the Forest Service this summer, so the plan was to use the van for the former and see if we could sell it before the latter if we didn’t fall head over heels for it,” Angel shared with me at that time.
“Our longest trip lasted about three days; our naturalist certification included several field outings, so we ‘sorta’ meandered along California’s northern coast using it as a base over extended weekends.”
“In the midst of all that, it’s simply been a blast,” Angel expressed. “Despite our collective fatigue with #vanlifers, it’s been reviving to show up with a living space and cooking area all prepped and ready. Since it’s all packed into the Econoline shell, we dodge the profound embarrassment of arriving at a fire road or tiny coastal town in a 40’ tour bus.”
“There have also been [fun little discoveries] like tracking down the artist who painted it, connecting with the escapedcampervans subreddit, finding old blogs and videos from random Dutch families who traveled with it across the US in 2017 and whatever, and watching children excitedly point at the ridiculous rainbow van,” Angel continued.
Indeed, the van became another member of the family.
“I’d been chuckling at myself for polishing the peeling, bubbly paint and had that moment of ‘oh, right, I guess that’s affection,’” Angel remarked.
But ultimately, life got in the way.
“We made the choice to downsize to a single vehicle before heading out for the Forest Service, so Van has departed, motorcycles are gone, and the Element is next,” Angel informed me. “We were heartbroken to part with Van. The vibes were fantastic,” he stated.
In reality, there was nearly nothing else about Crayola that Angel would have altered.
“The next improvement I would have probably focused on would’ve been replacing the old solar panel on the roof and adding an inverter,” he contemplated. “Since the kitchen was meant to be accessed from the rear, some way of boiling water from the inside on a chilly morning could have been advantageous. I’m sure you could ask 50 people what their ideal design for such a setup is and get 50 responses, but for me, Escape pretty much hit the mark,” Angel expressed.
And now, it’s headed toward its next chapter.
“I’m pleased we got to collect it from the fleet yard, manage the smog check, and give it a solid push into its next, joyful life,” Angel’s message concluded.
Have a news tip? Reach out to us at [email protected]!
**Investigating the Journeys of Those Who Acquired a High-Mileage Pre-Owned Rental Camper Van with 340,000 Miles**
Acquiring a high-mileage pre-owned rental camper van, particularly one with 340,000 miles, can elicit a blend of thrill and hesitation. For numerous wanderers and budget-conscious travelers, these vehicles symbolize an economical route to explore the vast outdoors. Nonetheless, the experiences of those who have ventured into this distinct market unveil a spectrum of insights and factors to consider.
**1. Financial Efficiency and Affordability**
One of the key driving forces behind purchasing a high-mileage used rental camper van is financial allure. These vehicles typically come at significantly lower prices than their low-mileage counterparts. Buyers note that they managed to secure a fully equipped camper van for a fraction of the cost of a new model. This affordability opens doors for more flexibility regarding travel plans, allowing individuals to invest in experiences rather than merely the vehicle itself.
**2. Familiarity with Rental History**
Many buyers take comfort in knowing that rental camper vans have been well-maintained. Rental companies usually follow strict maintenance routines, ensuring that the vehicles undergo frequent servicing. Buyers frequently report receiving comprehensive service documentation that assure them about the vehicle’s state. However, some noted that while the maintenance was consistent, wear and tear from various users could lead to unexpected challenges.
**3. The Significance of Inspection**
Prior to concluding a purchase, many buyers stress the need for a meticulous inspection. Individuals who acquired high-mileage camper vans often suggest hiring a mechanic to evaluate the vehicle. Common concerns pointed out during inspections included engine damage, transmission issues, and the condition of tires and brakes. Buyers who took this precaution reported a greater sense of assurance regarding their purchase, while those who bypassed the inspection encountered unforeseen repairs soon after buying.
**4. Operation and Dependability**
Experiences concerning performance widely differ among those who bought high-mileage camper vans. Some buyers have shared that their vans operated exceptionally well, serving as reliable transportation for long road trips and camping excursions. On the other hand, others faced mechanical complications that needed immediate attention. Many purchasers recommend that understanding the specific make and model can offer insights into potential reliability, as certain brands are recognized for their strength even at high mileage.
**5. Customization and Personal Touch**
Buying a used rental camper van often presents opportunities for customization. Numerous buyers seize the chance to tailor their vans to meet their travel requirements. This can encompass the addition of solar panels, interior upgrades, or the installation of extra storage options. Individuals have recounted their experiences of transforming their vans into distinctive living spaces, enhancing their travel adventures and making the vans feel like home.
**6. Community and Networking**
The community surrounding high-mileage camper van ownership is vibrant. Numerous buyers connect with others via online platforms and social media groups, exchanging tips, experiences, and recommendations. This sense of community provides support for troubleshooting challenges and discovering new travel spots. Buyers frequently highlight a feeling of belonging to a larger movement towards sustainable and economically mindful travel.
**7. Environmental Awareness**
For some, acquiring a high-mileage camper van aligns with eco-friendly principles. By choosing a pre-owned vehicle, buyers contribute to minimizing waste and advocating for sustainability. Many express pride in granting a second life to a vehicle that might otherwise have been abandoned, and they appreciate the chance to journey without the ecological impact of producing a new camper van.
**Conclusion**
The experiences of individuals who purchased a high-mileage used rental camper van with 340,000 miles reflect a mix of enthusiasm, caution, and community. While the affordability and potential for customization are considerable attractions, the critical importance of comprehensive inspections and understanding the vehicle’s history cannot be ignored. As more adventure seekers pursue cost-effective travel options, the tales of these high-mileage camper van owners continue to motivate others to embark on their own adventures.
admin