need help finding the right van for towing
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New User
Joined: Jan 2011
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need help finding the right van for towing
So I currently own a 2005 e350 v10 with 172,000 miles on it(bought it at 100k). I tow a packed 6x12 dual axle trailer which is about 7k pounds total not including the 6 people that travel in the van. I do a lot of traveling across the country and back many times a year. At this point I have not had any problems with the van. Iv had some minor repairs such as breaks and air conditioning ect.. My concerns are that there are going to be problems in the near future and gas mileage. I want to get whatever is going to cost the least in the long run. I am currently getting about 9 miles to the gallon average around the country with the full load. I'm debating weather or not to stick with the van I currently own or try for something better or weather or not do go diesel. Thoughts?
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,992
Likes: 2
From: Lancaster, MA
If you have a decent amount of money for a new van, maybe look at a conversion van or a party bus type deal. Diesel is the way to go for fuel economy and longevity no matter what type of van you get. Seems like your V10 has treated you very well for how many miles it has on it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 7,565
Likes: 249
From: Laquey, MO
You really need to sit down and crunch the numbers to figure this out. Figure out how much your current van's cost of use and compare that to the costs of getting a different vehicle and its use and maintenance.
I could tell you to run right out and purchase a fairly new vehicle with all the bells and whistles and all will be good. What good would that do if the financial strain of the new vehicle keeps you from running out and having fun with it?
That said - here's my opinion. I can understand why you would be concerned by the mileage on your van. If it were my decision, I would spend the money to have it thoroughly checked out by a competent mechanic. If there is evidence that there are major problems lurking around the corner, then upgrading would make a lot of sense. If not, you might be better off sticking with what you have.
Not much help - I know.
I could tell you to run right out and purchase a fairly new vehicle with all the bells and whistles and all will be good. What good would that do if the financial strain of the new vehicle keeps you from running out and having fun with it?
That said - here's my opinion. I can understand why you would be concerned by the mileage on your van. If it were my decision, I would spend the money to have it thoroughly checked out by a competent mechanic. If there is evidence that there are major problems lurking around the corner, then upgrading would make a lot of sense. If not, you might be better off sticking with what you have.
Not much help - I know.
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