We are switching our fleet from Chevy to Ford vans and we would normally get a 3/4 ton van which costs 1000 more than a 1/2 ton. But the dealer is recommending we buy the the E150 then have an extra leaf put in for only $300. He says that is the only difference regarding the suspension and brakes between the 150 and 250. Normally the 1/2 ton would not be enough payload. What does everyone think?

 

you might get a better answer if you asked the guys in the van forum. here is the link.
1968 - Present Full Size Vans - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

 

Don't believe the dealer!
There is one hell of alot more differance between the two then a spring pack!
If you need a heavy duty van or pick up go for the 3/4 or 1 ton.
In fact, usually the differance between a 3/4 and 1 ton IS the spring pack.
E250/350 differant design axles, heavier cooling, brakes, tires etc.
Look carefully at your needs and be specially carefull when ordering a vehicle.
For instatnce, A loaded Platinum F150, has a payload of only 900 lbs...That includes passengers! So if you have four big lads in the truck, you have no room left fo cargo OR trailer.
My XLT only has a total payload of 1416 lbs...OK for my needs but, pretty sad compared with the advetisements.
Many people would assume that that 1416 lbs is just for cargo...they would be wrong.
The F150 can be ordered with a extra heavy duty package, that includes heavy duty spings and e rated tires....but why bother...just get a 1 ton if you need a work truck or heavy duty application...that goes fo vans also.

 

Toto: I briefly answered the OP's post in the van section, but FYI, Ford killed the light duty E150 in 2007, I believe, and the E150 now has a payload of well over 3000 lbs, 8 lug wheels, truck tires etc. Basically, it has a larger payload than the base 250's from years past. They got the GVW over 8500 lbs so they are free of the EPA mileage rules. This is one time the dealer is to be believed. Check the payload specs on the new E150 and you'll see for yourself.

I've got a 2002 E150 with the 5-lug wheels and the old 7000 lb payload, and as a family van (cycling, Boy Scouting, etc) it has been wonderful; I would not want a new E150 because it's now a heavy truck...

George

 

I stand corrected George.
I assumed the E150 would be much the same as a F150.

 

No problem at all--it's easy to miss this kind of change unless you look at vans (as I do, having been a full size van owner for the last 24 years now).

There used to be a close correspondence between the vans and pickups, but I think the basic weight of an E150 got so high that they were squeezing the payload down to very little and making it too easy for a van converter, say, to do a fancy conversion and leave a payload of 500 lbs or something...

George

 

Fist of all THANK YOU for considering Ford and the E-150 for your company's needs.

I build the E-150's here in Ohio and work on the frame line so I pretty much know how these are built.

All E-150's, 250's and 350's now share the exact same brakes, frames, etc...The difference between the E-150 and the E-250 is the 250's rear spring has a little more arch to it so I'm sure the payload is a little more.

These vans are truely heavy duty!

Have your fleet manager make sure to check if your company can get a fleet discount.

 

Thank you for the information and as someone who builds them you'll be glad to hear that I did order the Ford vans. Being from Michigan, I'm glad to do business with an American company and one that can operate independantly. Keep up the good work.