E350/450 Cab-Chassis w/ Composite Box Body

[luthj]

Waiting on some rain to clear the salt from the roads for the test drive. But its pretty much together.

 

[thatcabledude]

Looks sick as it sits.

 

[overlandlike]

MPG with that big box + 35s + 4x4 is realistically ~8–11 mpg, maybe a touch better if you keep speeds low.

Following along — would love to see the build.

 

[luthj]

MPG with that big box + 35s + 4x4 is realistically ~8–11 mpg, maybe a touch better if you keep speeds low.

Following along — would love to see the build.

Sounds about right. I have ~34s on it right now, though may go larger if needs demand. If they don't I may switch to an MPG oriented tire, as they can make a noticeable difference. My rough math puts me at about 9.5mpg running 60-65mph on the highway. Stop and go economy? Well I prefer not to think about it!

When I sat down and did the cost of ownership vs a similar sized vehicle with diesel powerplant (sprinter, F-series, etc). The extra maintenance and purchase cost of a modern diesel mostly offset the extra fuel costs. With USA fuel prices the fuel spend difference was about $6k per 100k miles between the two. That includes the cost of DEF, but no maintenance etc.

I like some nice turbo action as much as the next guy, but a fairly simple pushrod V8 has its appeal.

I am planning on posting the build on here if there is interest. I am hoping to have it mostly usable in a year. But... I know how these things go!

 

[luthj]

Looks sick as it sits.

I briefly considered putting a flatbed on it, and getting a box made with quick connects, so I could swap it out. The extra weight/complexity wasn't worth it for my usage though.