Author Archive: Brian Haase

Author Archives for Brian Haase

This is an underdog story of high-top roofs, TVs and wood and leather, an underdog story of a slighted van coming back to best its bully – and it begins with the Dodge Sprinter.

 

airstream-autobahn-sherry-vans-sprinter

A Tale of Two Vans

At the turn of the century, Mercedes-Benz sold a mammoth cargo van in the United States as a Dodge Sprinter. After a few years, Mercedes reclaimed the name, leaving Dodge and parent company Chrysler out in the cold. Once Fiat purchased Chrysler, Chrysler turned to its new father for help, and Fiat obliged. Up its sleeve it had the Fiat Ducato, a popular European van produced for three generations and trusted as a cargo van and motorhome. Built on the Ducato chassis and much to Mercedes’ chagrin, Chrysler unleashed the Ram ProMaster work and cargo van.

Now, the Ram Sherry Van, built on the [...]

Investing in a conversion van can be a beneficial move that provides you with the ability to take many passengers comfortably down the road. Many conversion vans can seat seven to nine passengers, and they may have comfortable seating, entertainment accessories and other amenities. While you may need to select the right style of van with a focus on the interior amenities and the color of your vehicle, you also need to make the important decision about whether to purchase a front-wheel drive van or an all-wheel drive conversion van. When you understand the differences between these two options, you can make a better decision about your van purchase that is right for you.

2014 Ram ProMaster

What Is Front-Wheel Drive?

When you compare the options of vans available, you may determine that a front-wheel drive vehicle has a more affordable up-front cost.  Because of this, [...]

Compared to Chevrolet, Ford and GMC, the RAM ProMaster Sherry Conversion Van offers many more advantages. From the overall design, interior and mechanical features, the 9-passenger van remains in a class of its own. Could this make the Sherry Van the Ultimate Passenger Van?

 

ultimate-9-passenger-conversion-van-sherry

 

Unlike the Ford Transit conversion van, the factory raised roof of the Sherry Van is part of the framework and not a fiberglass add-on. In fact, the van is more than 17 inches taller, one foot longer and wider, but weighs 300 pounds less. The floor is also lower. In addition to providing more head and leg room, door entrances are wider and taller than the models manufactured by the competition. The rear doors open a full 270 degrees and lock into place when needed. The side door slides open and the width provides ample space in the event that [...]

From tiny beds to constantly being asked to reach the top shelf, tall people have it rough. While some people want to pimp their rides, tall folks just want to fit into theirs. Luckily, Paul Sherry Conversion Vans can solve both desires with Custom Vans that boast a superior 6’4″ head clearance. It’s no wonder that Sherry Vans are popular with pro-basketball and Football Players. Whether you’re a balla or just a little bit taller, these vans understand.

tall-people-vehicle-van
The Sherry Van is built on the Ram ProMaster chassis. That means that the Sherry Van get terrific Fuel Economy. That means over 20 MPG with it’s gasoline engine, and a diesel version is due out soon. Between the leg room and the gas mileage, tall people will rejoice when they won’t need to cut a hole in the floorboard and drive it like Fred Flintstone. Forget Fred’s old [...]

If you think Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is the perfect example of someone who drives a flashy sports car, get ready to be surprised. The 31-year-old football player, who has two young sons with wife Kristin Cavallari, is the proud owner of a white conversion van. According to reports, it’s a Chevy 2500 manufactured by Explorer Van Co. in Indiana. Onlookers assert the van is as tricked-out than any luxury car around.

 

 

Cutler drove to training camp in Bourbonnais, IL in what he calls his “dad style” vehicle, which the Orlando Sentinal claims could cost upwards of $60,000. The customized van is great for families, but it’s also practical for hauling luggage, equipment, and teammates. It seats nine people and boasts a 6.0-liter V-8 engine, with options for television and game outlets on the inside.

Cutler is not the only prominent [...]

Many people like being able to travel in comfort. When they want to drive around their hometown or even take longer drives across the country, they may want a vehicle that gives them plenty of room and provides them with the safety that they desire. These desires are no less with travelers who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Regardless of the distance they plan to travel, people can get the comfort, style, and safety they want when they invest in a Paul Sherry conversion van.

mobility-handicap-accessible-sherry-vans

A wheelchair van from Paul Sherry Conversion Vans provides important safety features that make it easy to drive and operate in all traffic conditions. With its front wheel drive, people can brake easily and steer their van in whatever direction they choose without fearing that the back wheels will lock up or pull away from the direction in which the van is [...]

Conversion Vans may still be the best kept secrets on the road today. They offer unmatched Luxury in terms of design, comfort, and interior space. Paul Sherry Conversion Vans is an authority on conversion vans in the United States. In addition to new and used conversion vans, you can also build your own custom van at Paul Sherry Conversion Vans. We recognize that not every van will suit every family, so we allow you to create the van exactly how you need it. The Ram ProMaster chassis is the newest chassis for building quality vans, and we are the only dealership in the United States currently offering this unique service.

Click Here To Build Your Own Conversion Van

 

ram-promaster-custom-van-sherry

 

Camper Vans

Before you come to us to build your own conversion van, you have to decide why you want it built a particular [...]

The Sherry Van has many seating options including this 9 passenger layout.

 

Everyone who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle wants to travel in style. There’s nothing like cruising down the open road, knowing you’ve got many of the creature comforts along with you. For those who are lucky enough to be driving a Sherry Van, that’s exactly what they’ve got. One of the premier Executive Vans in the industry, the Sherry Van is at the forefront of premium conversion vans. Built on the Ram ProMaster chassis, the Sherry Van provides its owners with luxury at an affordable price. With a price difference approaching $40,000, it’s easy to see why more and more people are turning to the Sherry Van for the Ultimate in Conversion Van luxury and style.

When it comes to amenities, the Sherry Van has everything you could ask for. [...]

Conversion Vans were once thought of as an economical means for Road-Loving Hippies to rebuild a vehicle using an existing shell. Things have certainly come a long way since the 1960s. The new generation conversion vans are ingeniously crafted using a combination of a suitable platform and a top that allows for the most variety in interior refurbishing. Paul Sherry Conversion Vans is a unique dealership in Piqua, Ohio, offering some of the most innovative yet affordable van conversion models available.

Heading the parade is the beautifully designed Ram ProMaster. This model is the finest example of creativity in customized van construction. Its integration of existing exterior framework, interior amenities, and superior ride make it the leader in the ever-growing conversion van segment.

new-conversion-van

Sherry Vans Are Spacious

Built with an eye toward comfort and passenger mobility, the Ram ProMaster from Sherry Vans allows for [...]

The Fourth of July is a national holiday that often involves roasting hot dogs on the grill and lighting a few fireworks once the sun goes down. For many people, it means traveling to a new destination to enjoy beautiful landscapes to celebrate independence. Conversion vans are ideal when traveling on the road with large groups to new places for a vehicle that offers both affordability and comfort.

 

conversion-van-fourth-july-travel

 

Marblehead, Massachusetts

To enjoy beautiful views of the water in a cozy town, Marblehead offers visitors the chance to celebrate the holiday with a fireworks show over the water and fresh-food vendors on every corner. You’ll be able to enjoy having a picnic at Chandler Hovey Park while listening to live music in the area.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Spend the day riding roller coasters and enjoying bbq from local eateries in Myrtle Beach [...]

Hey all you flower children of the 60’s!

ram-promaster-sherry-van

Consider a New Conversion Van to replace your old, musty, historical, paint splattered and Woodstock weary van. You may want to grab your cane, walker, oxygen tank or whatever assistance you require in this modern age and come on over to Paul Sherry Vans to check out their new ProMaster Conversion Van; but hang on to your hat and your pacemaker because they sure don’t make ’em like they used to. And that, my friends, is a good thing!

Fortunately, with the maturity rate of the young and rebellious, came changes to the conversion van industry as the hippies began to marry and raise families. Along with modern home conveniences, transportation vehicles became demanding of captain’s chair seats and custom interior lighting, thereby making the modern van a vehicle with a multitude of luxurious options.

Many [...]

mercedes sprinter conversion van

Thinking of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Conversion Van? Think again!

When it comes to choosing between the Mercedes Sprinter Conversion Van and other Conversion Vans on the market, the total cost of ownership can be a significant factor in your decision. For many years, the Mercedes Sprinter was thought to be the only “Euro” style conversion van on the market. But not anymore! The Ram ProMaster Conversion Van has “Euro” Van styling with qualities like nothing else in production! With features like front wheel drive, taller interior height and a lower cost of ownership, the Ram Promaster will be a common choice for those browsing for a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Conversion Van.

 

The Ram ProMaster is built on the Fiat Ducato platform. This configuration brings a front-wheel drive platform to the conversion van market. The power train is the Pentastar 3.6 liter [...]

The front-wheel drive Conversion Van is gaining in popularity because of its lack of a full-length drive train. This means that the interior of the cabin can be more spacious, and because the van rides closer to the road level, vertical interior space has increased. The Ram ProMaster Passenger Van is an excellent example of how a workable platform can be used to create a very nicely appointed cabin.

 

ram-promaster-passenger-van

Advantages Of The Ram ProMaster

First and foremost, the platform upon which the ProMaster is built allows for plenty of weight for interior amenities without drastically reducing the fuel efficiency. The Ram ProMaster gets better fuel mileage than either of its closest competitors, namely the Chevrolet Express/GMC Savanna twins and the Ford Transit Conversion Van.

The low-riding design means a low-top appearance, but this should not be considered a minus when considering a new conversion [...]

When you’re considering a Conversion Van for road trips and camping, consider the “Low Roof” Ram ProMaster by Sherry Vans. The ProMaster has been on the market for about a year now and it’s proving its versatility. It compares favorably to the Chevrolet/GMC Express/Savanna platform that is so popular with van conversions nowadays, and it offers today’s buyers exciting new features you can’t find anywhere else. The market seems to say that the low top vans have made something of a comeback as a platform for conversion vans. The Ram ProMaster is among the best prospects.

promaster-low-top-low-roof-conversion-van Drive Train

There are many reasons why the Ram Promaster is looking like the best option for low-top Conversion Van customers. The drive train is the most obvious one. Front wheel drive removes the rear drive train, lowers the floor, and allows for quite a lot of extra interior room. [...]

2021 Update See video below for more recent information on this topic Conversion Van Value

NADA Conversion Van Guide

When trying to sell your Conversion Van, the first piece of information you want to know is the value. For decades, NADA guides has been relied on for publishing the most market reflective vehicle pricing and information. NADA guides began with the very well known orange and blue printed guidebooks which are to this day relied on by hundreds of thousands of individuals each year. Today, NADA guides have become a leader in vehicle data publishing and technology. NADA guides are the largest publisher of vehicle pricing and information for new and used cars, classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, RVs and manufactured homes. The only type of vehicle in which NADA does not provide information for is conversion vans.

NADA has retracted its value [...]

fuel-economy-ram-promaster

The end of Mercedes and Chrysler’s automotive relationship also meant the end of the Sprinter as the commercial van of choice for Dodge division. Enter Fiat and emergence of its Ducato van as a replacement for the recently spun-off Ram brand. Now reformulated for American consumption, the Ram ProMaster

But the one question that’s on everyone’s minds is “how well it’ll do when it comes to fuel efficiency?” Since the ProMaster is exempt from EPA fuel economy testing, there aren’t any official claims just yet in terms of fuel economy. Whatever the numbers are, they’re probably much better than those of the old full-size Ram Van – a vehicle that enjoyed a 32-year-long run with relatively few changes.

What We Know

What we do know is this: under the hood of the Ram ProMaster is Chrysler’s stalwart 3.6-liter Pentastar six-cylinder engine. Coupled to a [...]

 

1977 Chevrolet Vintage Conversion Van

The classic Conversion Van is as important to American culture as hot dogs and apple pie. Well, maybe not that important. But conversion vans have been a part of our automotive landscape since the early 1970s. Even though they’ve evolved over the years, these incredible vehicles still have their rightful place.

As a dealership mascot, we happen to have a 1977 Chevrolet Hop Cap that could easily pass as the dictionary definition of a van conversion. It has everything you’d expect from a 1970s era conversion, including hardwood floors and plenty of shag. It also has a killer paint job that would make any child of the 70s swoon.

The Early Years

The history of the conversion van goes back to the 1970s and a little-known company in Goshen, Indiana. Back then, van conversions were all about being a [...]

2022 Update Click Here To Learn What Your Conversion Van Is Worth

 

Conversion Van Value

You’ve reached the conclusion that it’s time to sell or trade in your conversion van. Understandably, you’re a bit nervous because you have no idea what your custom van is worth. What’s more, you certainly don’t want to be taken advantage of by other dealerships who throw you a low-ball offers that you don’t have the knowledge to recognize.

Making sure you get the right price for your conversion van begins by understanding how it’s valued. Paul Sherry Conversion Vans, an industry leader with a reputation for years of reliable sales and service, explains that most dealers don’t even get into appraising conversion vans because they don’t know how to value them. Dealers like to rely on the Kelley Blue Book or NADA value, both of which rely heavily [...]

 

Reasons To Own A Conversion Van

Conversion vans were quite popular in the 70s and 80s but declined in desirability throughout much of the 90s. But with all the technological advancements to modern vehicles, a conversion van is a good choice today, and here are 10 reasons why:

Sturdiness

Unibody SUVs simply can’t compare to the sturdiness of a vehicle built on a frame. This is important in terms of safety, durability, and reliability.

Handling

Yes, there was a time when a conversion van drove like a truck, but now they handle more like a well-engineered car. This improved handling means even those who used to worry about driving a larger vehicle can do so with ease.

Price

While SUVs have been all the rage lately, a conversion van can provide all the space and amenities for much less. Those SUVs, in addition to [...]

Used Conversion Van

If you are looking to buy a used conversion van, then you are obviously a savvy consumer. The conversion van offers a great many amenities for the camper and traveler that are comparable to what is found in larger recreational vehicles, but conversion vans are much lower in cost than an RV. Conversion vans and Class B motorhomes have a number of similarities, but they have their differences. In addition, those who have purchased a van conversion know exactly what they want, and this type of person has a strong pride of ownership that shows when shopping for a used conversion van. Many of these used vans are in fantastic condition.

Not only are used conversion vans in better condition than many of the RVs on the market, but you will be able to save a lot of money from the price [...]

Inspect-Your-RideAs winter comes to a close and the warm spring weather begins to call you to the open roads, you realize it’s time to prepare your conversion van for the year ahead. Going over the mechanical and electrical parts of your van will pay off by giving you a smoother trip without those annoying and avoidable issues. Here’s a look at some of the most important aspects that you should check.Inspect-Conversion-Van-service
The Battery
Batteries can die at any time of the year, but it’s more likely that the winter cold will push them to their edge. You can visit your local auto parts store and have your battery’s life checked for free to be sure that you can count on it while you’re on the road. When removing the battery, be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves. You do not want battery [...]

Conversion-van-clean-windowsConversion vans are a great luxury, especially on long road trips or if you have a large family. However, owning one comes with a lot of responsibility! Cleaning the windows on a normal-sized vehicle is as easy as using some soap, water, and a rag. But cleaning the large windows on a conversion van can be quite a task if you’re unprepared. Now that Spring is Back, your conversion van windows are probably in need of a cleaning and you may be wondering what the best way to go about cleaning your windows may be. Fortunately, the process is not as difficult or time consuming as you may think.

The first thing you will want to do in order to reduce the amount of time required to clean your conversion van’s windows is to find few friends or family members to help out. Not only [...]

Back to top