I really like my camper van. I got a rough quote from Clydesdale in Kamloops of $15k to convert to 4wheel drive. Can't justify that right now cause I'm not planning on off roading it but I am putting air bags on the rear to be able to gain some clearance if needed. Probably going to swap out the differential to a posi trac too, it's geared pretty high so I'd like to go to 4.10 gears. Don't need to travel at 130km/hr but do need some help on the mountain passes. A custom rear bumper would be nice too with a storage box for camping tools. Maybe a tiny wood stove so I can use it in the winter, it has a propane furnace but wood stove heat is so comfortable and quiet.
A winch will get you out of a lot of trouble when your rig is RWD. Lots of hidden winch kits out there.
Me and my '14 Chrysler Town and Country be laughing at all you mini van haters! Fits a ton of bikes, the dvd player folds down and the kids shut up and that thing gets up and goes!! Roll out the Slim Shady awning and you're good to go!
I had a service van like that (without the groovy windows of course) and I loved those doors rather than the slider. Same Chevy 20. Nicest driving service van I had ever had. Was sad when they "upgraded" me to an ASStro. That being said, an AWD Astro in decent condition would be a good find. They may not be fast but they sure are thirsty... On the positive side, the damn things always start and run forever. YMMV