Chevrolet Express
2003-present
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 |
Measure your own vehicle before designing: lining, bulkhead, wheel arches and equipment can reduce usable space.
Reference specification
| Wheelbases | 135" WB (3429mm) · 155" WB (3937mm) Extended |
| Reference kerb weight | 2746 kg |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Reference engines | 4.3L V6 276hp · 6.6L V8 401hp · 6.0L V8 341hp (older models) |
| Indicative economy | 11-16 mpg (highway) |
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
Indicative ranges for comparing build scope; they may not include the vehicle, approval, labour or contingencies. Obtain current quotes before purchasing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Used examples can be competitively priced compared with newer full-size vans
- ✓Long-running V8 platform with broad parts and service availability
- ✓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