Used Chevrolet G30 Conversion Van - Van Life Ready for sale in Kennewick, WA

If you are looking for something warmer than a tent for your next adventure then you’ve found the answer. Affectionately known as The Pacific (big and blue), this has been my answer to van life for the past few years, taking me all over the place from surf trips to Oregon Coast to Yellowstone. With a new battery, tires, fuel pump, oil, fluids and wipers, it is ready for a new home.

My favorite parts of The Pacific include:

1) It has a top deck where the whole roof is covered in a wooden platform. It doesn’t sound that epic, being just 7 ft off the ground, but watching traffic jams, fireworks, waves, stars, housemates mowing the lawn etc is a dream from up there. Plus after-dinner cleanup is easy because the birds eat the scraps. The previous owner used to put his kids in a tent up there like a safari setup.

2) I have all the stuff to go in two modes: people-mover and van life (see pics). Use this as an argument if you are trying to get your spouse on board with the purchase.

3) The front 4 seats all have two armrests. I have always had a rule that they are down at all times for maximum passenger comfort. The only downside to this rule is that passengers tend to fall asleep to the lulling tones of the engine because the seats are so soft and comfy.

4) It has a Chevy 350 engine which sounds like a dream. You end up driving at 25 in a 35 just to hear it for longer. Fresh oil and fluids.

5) There is an isolating switch on the new battery. This is great to stop any accidental battery draining when the van is parked up for a few weeks.

6) It has a cassette player with an aux chord tape converter. I also have one Kenny Rogers tape but that won’t help you if you want to listen to Lionel Richey. A Hawaiian lady figurine holds the end of the chord so you don’t lose it.

7) It’s not a new rig, but the upholstery and carpet is in pretty good condition. I have a door mat and a central rug just to make cleaning easier which will go with the van. Has always been owned by non-smokers as far as I can smell.

8) The tires are brand new.

9) It looks like a normal van so parking up in non-campsite locations is fine. I have often stayed in residential areas when camp sites have been hard to find and have never had a knock on the window. Just park on a property line so that both home owners think their neighbour just bought the most legit van in town. Or park outside a library or coffee shop for free WiFi. Get a coffee in the morning to thank them.

10) Every window behind the drivers seats has a full blackout panel that I keep under the bed so you can even park in bright Walmart car parks and get a good night’s sleep.

11) There is enough room in the back to make this your own custom van life machine. I didn’t really maximize its potential here with my single desk, because I wanted the ability to go back to the people-mover setup. However the possibilities are endless if you commit to van life mode.

12) Sweet curtains that started my sewing career.

13) There is an air suspension system that you can pressurize to make the ride better if you are hauling a heavy load. The valve for this is next to the hitch.
Quirky things you should know:

1) The AC has never worked since I owned the van. This hasn’t been a big deal for me, but I am sure you could look into the system going if it’s important to you. The fan and heat functions work great though.

2) I am not sure of the story behind it, but the previous owner moved the head light controls to toggle switches to the right of the steering wheel. It takes a bit to get used to, especially when you are struggling to switch off high beam when a car comes around the corner towards you, but once you get it dialled in you feel like a fighter pilot.

3) The steering is pretty soft so it definitely feels like you are driving a van, or a boat, rather than a car.

4) Reverse gear is quite shuddery. It has been this way since I bought it and I have never looked into why.

5) While the frame structure of the top deck is super solid steel, the wooden panels used to clad it are getting a bit warped. It would be cool to take these off and replace with recycled decking or more outdoor rated plywood. Please don’t fall off it before you do this. There is no ladder up there so I just climb the spare tire. Adding a ladder to the right hand door at the back is pretty standard for these vans though.

6) The paint is getting a bit weathered. No structural rust, but definitely patchy in some places like the hood.

7) I have never attempted to turn on the mini-TV between the front seats. I usually have a cooler there but that would be sweet to get going, or just tape your iPad to the front of it.