i need a 2nd van because I just started a business.

My biggest question is if an E150 is a reasonable choice. I can’t think of a reasonable logic to exclude it; it’s just that I’ve never had a van rated so low. My previous was E250 V6, and my current one is E350 V10.
The van I buy will:
1. Need a set of bins//shelves
2. Get driven 1,000miles per week
3. Constantly carry about 1200-1500 lbs of product. (Plus the bins and driver and small parts and tools.

Im considering the E150 in order to try to save money on insurance costs and to broaden my options of finding and buying a good affordable van before December 31 (for tax purposes).

I didnt realize until typing this post that I’ve exceeded the half ton weight rating. Is that a big deal? These things are all the same right? Except the leaf springs?
What the heck good is a half ton van? Fill it with helium balloons and it will still exceed 1,000lbs (exaggerating of course).

Secondly, I’m also considering smaller vehicles (transit connect, Chevy HHR, Nissan whatever). But I find these are higher price than real vans. It feels weird to buy a smaller van for a higher price. Especially since I need all the cargo volume I can get.

Please everyone remember to feedback me about the E150 thoughts.

 

Get a 250 or 350 for the better transmission, springs, brakes, axles, tires etc.

If you load up like that and drive it every day, the wear items wear faster.

 

Get a 250 or 350. Youll be happy in the long run.
better chasiss and part's.

 

All the best with the business venture!

 

Go straight to the E350 with a 4.6 or better, and don't look back. The E150 is useless, even as just a people mover.

 

I'm no expert, but for my 2¢ I'd recommend a V8-powered E250. Anything lighter could land you in trouble with the insurance company if you were in any kind of an accident, and at risk of being overloaded, and it would most likely prove to be more fuel efficient than a V10. I 'm not sure if the E250 was offered with a 4.6, but a smaller V8 is what I would go for since 1000K miles per week can eat up a gas budget, but I'd be afraid of going with a V6 (if available) since I believe it would be too over-worked to be efficient. Again, I'm no expert, but I wish you luck and success in your future endeavors. Cheers, Cotton

 

If you're using it for a business I would probably get whatever was rated to hold the weight you're looking at loading. You can get away with a lot if it's for personal use but not so much if it's for business.

Opinions of the POTUS would probably be better asked or said on a political forum versus FTE.

 

 

Then get that 1 ton. Anything else will wear quickly with that kind of weight. If you live in a flat area then a smaller motor will work but if you have alot of hills then you probably want the bigger motors. I know many utility company vans have the v6's. That is what I usually see on lots around here (NE Tenn). Good luck with your new venture.

 

An E250 like mine has a 3100lb cargo capacity.. 5500lb curb weight and 8600lb GVWR. With the 4.6 and 4.10 gears it has no problem hauling around 1500lbs of whatever and gets reasonable fuel milage doing it. A smaller motor consumes less fuel driving around in-town but I'd suggest avoiding the V6 as they all seem to have problems at relatively low miles compared to the Triton V8s.

FWIW after 2004 or something the light duty E150 was technically discontinued, there was still an E150 model but it is now a derated E250 with the 5-bolt 1/2 ton axles and springs bolted up under the HD chassis.

All that said I would also suggest you look for an E250 as it will perform better and deliver longer maintenance intervals with that load.

 

I have a 2010 E250 with a 4.6 and can tell you it's pretty weak with regards to pulling a decent sized trailer.

 

Yeah, but O.P. didn't mention pulling a trailer, and with the amount of mileage a company van will acquire, you'll want to get the most efficient engine for the job without sacrificing reliability. Cotton

 

V10 because, well V10! The 4.6 is a good engine though.

 

Don't go by E150=1/2 ton or E350=2000#'s, look at the manufactures rating. Generally you can find it on the door jam if you're looking at used vehicles. Don't exceed the axle rating or the tire rating you will be fine with whatever fits that category.

The engine type it's totally up to what works for you..... I know what I would get but that might not be the best for what you're doing.