A "what to buy" question - E350, F250, Extended or Not

[sakurama]

For similar $ you could find a lightly used Transit. 4wd is an expensive retrofit but you may be able to make do with a locker. They have vans with diesels, not big burly old school but still diesel clatter lol.

There are other downsides to the Transits, they don't look quite as cool - stock tires look pathetic under there. They are very modern and ride nice though, I got a window cargo and am building out the interior as a moto hauler/kid hauler/camper.

Have fun, vans rule!

I looked them up - tow capacity is about the same as my F150 - 7000lbs max and that is the weight of the trailer. Add some dirt bikes in the pickup and full tanks on the trailer and we're struggling. The smell of burning brakes coming down a steep pass told me a "we're going to need a bigger boat" and the first gear at 25mph going up Monarch pass was the other indicator. If we only lived in Kansas it would work.

Gregor

 

[sakurama]

The extended van has the same wheelbase as the regular, so the turn the same, and despite the overhand working against you for towing it leaves the front to rear weight close to 50/50 which is great if you have 4x4.

That's good news - I was always under the impression that they were as bad in snow as an unloaded pickup.

Gregor

 

[Petrolburner]

That's good news - I was always under the impression that they were as bad in snow as an unloaded pickup.

Gregor

My 2WD van has been incredible in the snow. The long travel suspension sure helps provide the necesary articulation when the road gets to be uneven. I was shocked at how stable and confidence inspiring my van has been on snowy highways without even having snow tires.
Untitled by Trevor Stellrecht, on Flickr

Untitled by Trevor Stellrecht, on Flickr

Towed my camper fine in the snow too.

Untitled by Trevor Stellrecht, on Flickr

 

[sakurama]

Love those high roofs. Can they be added after?

Gregor

 

[shenrie]

^^^ yep. theres a gent on the smb forum that is trying to gauge interest to see if theres a demand.

http://redirect.viglink.com/?format...ww.sportsmobileforum.com/for...ops-17695.html

 

[Oldcarnut]

If you want a diesel, high top, and EB, go with a used Type 2 Ambo. That's my plan at least. That and the U-Joint 4 inch lift to haul my bikes around. Only complaint would be low rear doors but think I could convert for not too much down road if I want. Good luck

 

[F451]

Dirt bikes + kids = Extended all the way. V10 is a good option IMO and readily available unless you think chancing the Ford 6.0 diesel is worth it.

I would also 2nd the idea of looking for a Transit or Sprinter for the high top option. Not 4wd I know but... -Ed

 

[sakurama]

Dirt bikes + kids = Extended all the way. I would also 2nd the idea of looking for a Transit or Sprinter for the high top option. Not 4wd I know but... -Ed

Thanks, I'm now pretty certain that I'll be getting an extended van. I would love to get a Sprinter or Transit but neither has the towing capacity to handle our 28' Avion trailer. I think if I could find someone who could swap a 4BT in my F150 I'd consider that but I'm pretty sure that engine swaps can't pass inspection here in Portland so I'm limited to a production vehicle.

Gregor

 

[Bikersmurf]

Check in on MGmetalworks. Oregon is easier to manage a engine swap Than some neighbouring states. Unless you drive it a ton, it'll take many years before a diesel swap will have you coming out ahead $ wise... If ever.

I really like the 7.3, and wouldn't want a gasser. That said I can get a new 7.3 for less than getting some basic work done on a 6.0 money pit.

 

[sakurama]

Check in on MGmetalworks. Oregon is easier to manage a engine swap Than some neighbouring states. Unless you drive it a ton, it'll take many years before a diesel swap will have you coming out ahead $ wise... If ever.

I really like the 7.3, and wouldn't want a gasser. That said I can get a new 7.3 for less than getting some basic work done on a 6.0 money pit.

Unless I found a 6.0 that had been bulletproofed I'll be looking for a 7.3 from 99-00 as they had the forged rods. I noticed that in E350's that the 7.3 was installed longer - to 2003. Is there a "best year" for the vans like there is for the trucks? Are there any differences between years?

Gregor

 

[chris_1001]

Welcome to EP Gregor, no input on what to get, but I know (of you GJ). Cant wait to see some pics of the build whatever you decide.

 

[sakurama]

Welcome to EP Gregor, no input on what to get, but I know (of you GJ). Cant wait to see some pics of the build whatever you decide.

Ha, Hi Chris! I suppose it was inevitable that I'd end up here. I first saw a Sportsmobile ages ago and thought it was the coolest thing ever. Never really thought I'd get one but now it seems like maybe I'll be doing that in steps. It would certainly be a fun thing to practice welding on - bumpers, roof racks, spare tire mounts. I have a lot of ideas but just no van yet...

Gregor

 

[1der]

Unless I found a 6.0 that had been bulletproofed I'll be looking for a 7.3 from 99-00 as they had the forged rods. I noticed that in E350's that the 7.3 was installed longer - to 2003. Is there a "best year" for the vans like there is for the trucks? Are there any differences between years?

Gregor

Not sure I would worry about the forged rods, I have never heard of any rod issues in post 00 7.3's.

2003 is slightly more desirable with newer interior trims, ease of adding tow mirrors to the doors, newer grill, etc.

And, having had both the V10 and 7.3, the V10 should be strongly considered. Oil changes every 5k miles, fuel and oil additives quickly narrow the cost differentials between the two. Add that there is no 7.3 with a 5r110 tranny running around and that you will be towing, strongly consider a 2004 and up v10. A bulletproofed 4r100 will be around 3k.

Re: a chip for mpg - I have not experienced that miracle with my chip. Plus w/ the diesel you will not be using the chip when towing or climbing hills because your EGT's will be too high. It is nice around town or on flatter interstates. Consider exhaust and mild turbo wheel upgrades.

 

[moparmiller]

Go extended for bike hauling. My EB has the singe bench bench behind the front row. I can run two bikes up against the bench and have 18" behind the bike rear tires for gear bags and fuel. The vertical limit is the toughest issue. A 950 will need the windscreen pulled and the forks sucked down.

 

[sakurama]

Go extended for bike hauling. My EB has the singe bench bench behind the front row. I can run two bikes up against the bench and have 18" behind the bike rear tires for gear bags and fuel. The vertical limit is the toughest issue. A 950 will need the windscreen pulled and the forks sucked down.

That is exactly the info that I was hoping to find. That works out. I don't see that I'll be putting bikes in it too often but I have to have the option. I know the 990 won't fit easily and for that reason I'd love to have a Sprinter that could tow the Avion but I have to make choices. A 4x4 van would be fun.

Gregor