Hello all,

Im am so exited.

My new Van has arrived at the dealership today and I will take delivery tomorrow around noon.

2005 E-350 XLT SD WGN
6.0 PSD 5-speed auto
4.10 limited slip
class IV trailer towing package
8 passenger with dual captains
trl tow mirrors
6 speaker premium CD stereo
running boards
privacy glass
pwr drvr seat
keyless/alarm
chrome rear step
oxford white

The sales person gave me a ride in it from the dealership to the diesel pump and back, approximately 1.5 miles in town. Very comfy passenger chair and nice big cupholders aplenty

I have the the mandatory 6 Gal gas charge of $ 11.40 in my contract, but he had it filled up for $65.00. Nice of him, isn't it?

More to come in a couple of days when I get more aquainted with the Van. Have not thought of a name, yet.

Rudolf

 

Hi Rudolf, sounds like a keeper.
Good luck with it!!

 

Good for you! Keep us posted on your experiences with it.

 

Sounds good. How much did you pay for it?

 

I'm very jelous, I wanted the same thing but in black. Priced it at around 38K if I remember correctly.

Good luck, keep us posted on the mileage if you don't mind.

 

Cool truck, are you planning on towing alot ? Just curious why you stepped up to the oilburner. Can the E-series PSD be upgraded to F-series specs with an aftermarket intercooler and reprogramming the chip ? Do the vans get the heavy duty Allison-copy transmissions ? Details, man, I need details ! Congrats on the new rig, sounds awesome, Ken

 

thank you all for the responses and good wishes.

a bit of detail and answers to some questions:

http://www.the-web-is-us.com/RV_images/windowsticker.pdf

I paid 6,200 USD BELOW the sticker, delivered and all incentives figured in.

Yes, I will be towing a 7,000 # GVWR Travel trailer, a K-Z Sportster Toybox.

I took the Wagon, not the commercial version, I figured I do not need the extra 400 # capacity and it would give me a smoother ride, which proofed correct.

The Van is really smooth, no harsh riding 60 # front, 65 # air rear, I am still running around empty.

Mileage: the dealer had filled the tank, but I do not know how much, so after 140 miles I filled up again - to the brim so to speak, so I have a reference. I calculated 14.5 mpg but that is questionable.

more later

Rudolf

 

some more data developing:

next 155 miles with 1/3rd pure city stop and go, 1/3rd city highway and 1/3rd Interstate at 55 to 70 mph on steady cruise - wanted to have a diverse range of driving conditions.

Only 3 times stomped HARD on the accelerator, going through the gears from 35 to 80 mph merging on Interstate - sweet.

Overal MPG = 16.8

http://www.the-web-is-us.com/RV_images/20041123weightsheet.pdf

This includes driver with 220 # (had a hearty breakfast before)

Rudolf

 

Some more data:


1400 miles since delivery

calculated average 15.2 mpg

most of driving is short trips, stop and go around town. We have cold weather here in New England, so the 15 1/2 quarts of oil do not get a chance to warm up very much - it takes about 15 miles to get the engine warmed up, more in stop and go. I believe the cold cycle is hurting the mpg in a major way. I put it on the heater overnite now.

I mostly go with the flow but occasionally I cannot resist to STOMP on the loudpedal - it is soo much fun to be going 90 in no time - for a very brief sprint, that is.

There is so much torque, hills just do not exist.

Once it warms up and I have a bit more miles on it, I expect to get 16-17 mpg.

Had my first oil change done at 1000 miles. This is a habit of mine, I do with all new vehicles, 1000 miles and then 3000 miles and then whatever the manufacturer recommend for severe duty intervals - I believe that the initial 2 changes get quickly rid of all the metal particles that may be generated from parts not yet worn in. Probably overkill, but it gives me a good feeling.

Different feeling I got from the 72.00 USD invoice for the service.

I had ordered the Van with the regular (casette) Ford radio. The sound of that was dissapointing, so I ordered an Aiwa CD/MP3 radio from Crutchfield - what a difference. The original speakers are pretty good, so they will stay for the moment. After wiring up the radio harness ( soldered and shrink tubing) the installation was less than 10 minutes -easy.


Love the Van and do highly recommend it.

Rudolf<!-- / message -->

 

Thanks for the continuing info! Keep the updates coming. Your writing is really enjoyable. Informative, too.