Since it's Friday, I'll put this out:� 
http://wot.motortrend.com/2014-ram-promaster-cargo-van-starts-at-29625-diesel-is-4000-more-337795.html#axzz2OITfgyOz

Anybody
 thinking beyond Vanagon?� I love my 85 tintop Vanagon and it's 
predecessor a 70 Baywindow.� Been lots of fun and adventure over the 
past 39 years.� Roadtrips will always be a part of my life, and I've 
been thinking about a future vehicle.� The future may be arriving soon.�
 October.

Have been reading a lot online about MB Sprinters, and 
then was getting excited about then new Ford Transit (not Transit 
Connect).� Both seemed to be okay platforms.� But have now discovered the 
Fiat Ducato, a huge seller in Europe and currently being made in Mexico 
and re-badged as a Chrysler Ram ProMaster.�� In USA showrooms this October.� Like the others, will be 
available in an array of
 bodies and wheelbases.� For me, I would start out with an empty cargo 
van with the high roof, 116-inch wheelbase, and then build out my own camping interior.� 

Really
 like the front-wheel drive of the ProMaster which results in lowest 
step-in height in it's class.� Also, pretty tight turning radius (gets 
bigger with the mid- and long-wheelbase versions).� Gas engine has an 
impressive 27 MPG highway; diesel engine is an option for $4K more.� 
Presumably, parts and service would be readily available across the 
entire North American continent.� And the price is reasonable too for 
the cargo versions (passenger versions not announced yet).� The version I
 want looks to be around $32K.

I'm sure the van conversion people
 will be all over this vehicle!� And lots of interior goodies to shop 
for from the RV equipment suppliers.� My plan is to buy such a vehicle 
in the next couple years, then design (I used Solidworks� 3D
 CAD) a versatile interior that meets my needs and desires, and then 
build it out.� Would be a labor of love I imagine.� But have done the 
same with my Vanagon.� The goal is to have a 4 season retirement vehicle
 for travels across the continent over the next 20 years.

Take a look at the above link (copy and paste as needed).....plenty of information out there, more arriving daily.� What do ya'll think?

Rich
San Diego