Chevrolet Express
2003-present
Payload: 1200 kgGVWR: 3946 kgRWD / AWD
Interior dimensions
Measurements for 2500 Extended (155" WB) — the go-to for conversions
| Cargo length | 3416 mm |
| Cargo width | 1575 mm |
| Cargo height | 1370 mm |
| Usable width | 1350 mm |
| Door width | 1295 mm |
| Door height | 1270 mm |
Recommended layouts
Classic American Build
Raised platform bed with massive gear garage below + side galley + bench seating
Road trippers who need serious cargo capacity under the bed
Stealth Urban Camper
Folding rock-and-roll bed + hidden kitchen cabinet + blacked out windows
City dwellers who need maximum stealth for urban camping
Overlander Setup
Fixed bed + roof rack with RTT option + rear kitchen + recovery gear storage
Off-grid adventurers who combine van camping with overlanding
Estimated budget
Basic
$5,000
Bed platform, basic insulation, 12V system, portable kitchen
Standard
$15,000
Insulation, cabinets, solar, water system, high-top conversion
Premium
$35,000
Full build with high-top, bathroom, lithium, heater, premium finishes
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely cheap to buy — the most affordable full-size van in the US market
- Bombproof V8 drivetrain with millions of miles of proven reliability
- Parts are cheap and available at every auto parts store in America
- Any mechanic can work on it — no specialized dealer needed
- AWD option available for improved off-road capability
Cons
- Low roof height means you cannot stand up — high-top conversion is expensive
- Terrible gas mileage (11-16 mpg) with V8 engines
- Heavy curb weight leaves less payload budget for the conversion build
- Dated platform design (essentially unchanged since 2003)
- Narrow cargo width compared to modern Euro-style vans like ProMaster
Compatible components
lithium-batterysolar-panel-200wdiesel-heatercompressor-fridgeportable-toilet