In the next few months I'll be purchasing a new one-ton diesel extended van and a cargo trailer.
We've had extremely good luck with the '97 GMC Savana one-ton 6.5L turbo diesel extended van, it's got 700k of highway miles on it and aside from tires and fuel, it hasn't cost over a thousand dollars in repairs. Still runs like new. A little diesel fuel conditioner every tank and it's been bulletproof.
I know that the 6.5 diesel is not known to be an excellent engine, and in a way I think that we got lucky with this one..
It's going to come down to a 2002 GMC or a 2002 Ford E350 powerstroke. My only concern is this van will be acquiring massive amounts of highway miles over the next 5 years, and fuel economy is a major factor in the decision. What kind of fuel mileage does the powerstroke get, in comparison to the 6.5?
Reliability is also a huge concern, we've had good luck with GMC trucks in the past.. Will a Ford van hold up for this many miles? The miles will be all highway, most of the route is steep, twisty and unforgiving two lane so it will spend most of its time between 50 and 60mph, with severe weather.
I'll be the primary driver, so comfort is also an issue. I really like the '97 GMC, and the '02 is very similar. I put 100k on a '99 Ford E350, and didn't care much for the interior. I know they changed the interior in '00 and it's much nicer, but I've only sat in one with the 5.4L and if I'm not mistaken, the console is different/bigger on a diesel. I know it's bigger on the GMC, but it's still tucked away nicely and the GMC has tons of legroom. At the time (97) the GMC was the most comfortable interior on the market, by far. I haven't been able to compare the new ones, has anyone else?
If Dodge would put the cummins in their vans, that would be in consideration too.. But they don't, so it's not.
My main concern is what kind of fuel mileage can the powerstroke get in comparison to the 6.5? Are there any reliability issues with the Ford vans? The '99 I drove was excellent for the first 100k but that's only 1/7th of what will be required.
Also, a 6x12 enclosed trailer will be used as well. Wells Cargo has an excellent reputation so I'm leaning towards them, but I'm considering them all. do you get better bang for the buck with any competing brands?
This setup will be used for work, and for riding on the weekends.
Any insight? I'd be interested in trying the Ford E350 if it doesn't have any major drawbacks. One major bonus the GMC has going for it is the longer wheelbase in the extended versions.
We've had extremely good luck with the '97 GMC Savana one-ton 6.5L turbo diesel extended van, it's got 700k of highway miles on it and aside from tires and fuel, it hasn't cost over a thousand dollars in repairs. Still runs like new. A little diesel fuel conditioner every tank and it's been bulletproof.
I know that the 6.5 diesel is not known to be an excellent engine, and in a way I think that we got lucky with this one..
It's going to come down to a 2002 GMC or a 2002 Ford E350 powerstroke. My only concern is this van will be acquiring massive amounts of highway miles over the next 5 years, and fuel economy is a major factor in the decision. What kind of fuel mileage does the powerstroke get, in comparison to the 6.5?
Reliability is also a huge concern, we've had good luck with GMC trucks in the past.. Will a Ford van hold up for this many miles? The miles will be all highway, most of the route is steep, twisty and unforgiving two lane so it will spend most of its time between 50 and 60mph, with severe weather.
I'll be the primary driver, so comfort is also an issue. I really like the '97 GMC, and the '02 is very similar. I put 100k on a '99 Ford E350, and didn't care much for the interior. I know they changed the interior in '00 and it's much nicer, but I've only sat in one with the 5.4L and if I'm not mistaken, the console is different/bigger on a diesel. I know it's bigger on the GMC, but it's still tucked away nicely and the GMC has tons of legroom. At the time (97) the GMC was the most comfortable interior on the market, by far. I haven't been able to compare the new ones, has anyone else?
If Dodge would put the cummins in their vans, that would be in consideration too.. But they don't, so it's not.
My main concern is what kind of fuel mileage can the powerstroke get in comparison to the 6.5? Are there any reliability issues with the Ford vans? The '99 I drove was excellent for the first 100k but that's only 1/7th of what will be required.
Also, a 6x12 enclosed trailer will be used as well. Wells Cargo has an excellent reputation so I'm leaning towards them, but I'm considering them all. do you get better bang for the buck with any competing brands?
This setup will be used for work, and for riding on the weekends.
Any insight? I'd be interested in trying the Ford E350 if it doesn't have any major drawbacks. One major bonus the GMC has going for it is the longer wheelbase in the extended versions.