JohnD,
I totally understand the overhang problem. When I was in the market for a van, I only wanted the Chevrolet 15 passenger, because the ford 15 passenger vans have the large overhang as well. I also wanted a lifted van to help avoid the dragging problems. I have a 6" lift on 34" tires on my van. That brings in a whole different slew of problems with all of the crazy electronic stability control gadgets.
That rear end damage on your van looks bad. Good thing you had a hitch on it. I pity the fool who rear ends my van with the hitch on it.
I know!
That overhang is just one of many issues one finds when buying their first (of many) RV's . . .
But we live and learn!
By the way, I am happy to report that the Ford F150 4x4 that rear ended me was in worse shape than my van was!
It was completely destroyed to the point it had to be towed away where I actually drove mine home, but discovered the tranny was destroyed the next day.
Unfortunately, he was an illegal alien from Mexico and fled the US the very next day as he had no insurance or Colorado drivers license . . .
What a drag for me . . . and what an insurance mess that was as well!
My advice, if you are ever in an auto accident, DO NOT refuse medical assistance no matter what, because if you do it declines many insurance coverages!
I wasn't hurt, and I knew it,
but by refusing medical coverage AT THE SCENE, I lost a lot of standard insurance coverages.
What really totaled out the van was the fact not only would any of the rear doors and side doors open after the accident (due to frame misalignment), but the drive shaft was plunged into and through the bell housing of the transmission.
That also was the end of a 20 year and six van total era (I used to be a mobile DJ and used the vans to haul my sound equipment).
I replaced that van with my former Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 pickup, which was just replaced with a 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 4x4 to haul my trailer with . . .
By the way . . . join the Heartland Owners Club (HOC)!
It is free for the first year, and fun as heck!
You'll meet so many new friends it is unbelievable, not to mention that you'll have a blast at the HOC Rallies!
We've been to three HOC Rallies thus far and will never miss another!