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Message: [QUOTE="bushpilot, post: 749006, member: 16991"] I have a van and have used it for over 200,000 miles. I used a pickup converted to a flatbed prior to that for over 200,000 miles. They both got lousy gas mileage. They both rode rough. They both had heavy duty suspension, the P/U ¾ ton and the van 1 ton. The van is the most versatile. My van is not a cargo van. It has three rows of removable seats behind the driver. It has rugs, air and power everything. You can take several people on trips if you like. It has one way windows all round, except for the windshield and drivers doors. Anybody who has driven a cargo van will tell you that you can’t see out very well. I have a bench I put in when I travel that I use for a bed. Mine is a 350 V-8 and has plenty of power, but the gas mileage sucks. I rarely get more than 14 on the road and 10 in the city. The P/U was no better. Most pickups will haul three bikes with no trouble. I won’t put more than two in my van. Heavy duty suspension will raise the height of the entry into the van. Loading a van is a much harder job than a pickup. You can crack your head on the roof when you are stepping in while trying to hold the bike upright. You must be very careful tying down bikes in a van. They could run up your back if they come loose. If you tiedown correctly you won’t break any windows. The same goes for your gear. Gas cans present two problems, the obvious fire danger and the smell. It takes a full size van. The mini vans just aren’t tall enough. I don’t know if the V-6 vans have enough power. I have been in some V-6 pickups and they seem to have plenty of poop. Stay away from the older Fords, the much touted twin I-beam front suspension was awful. As they get older you can’t keep them in the road. I use my van for everyday transportation. I would guess that less than 10% of my driving is loaded with bikes. So for 90% of the time I have to deal with the terrible ride. If you were to get a ½ ton van I believe that you could use air shocks or overload springs to compensate for the extra weight of the bikes. To specifics: Any late model full size van is probably OK. Dodge vans with the fuel injected 318 engine are reputed to get very good mileage. Cargo vans are cheaper than passenger vans, but can be plenty “used”. Your choice of short or long depends on what you haul. Half ton passenger vans usually get better mileage than cargo vans because of the gearing. Do you need a van? What is wrong with an enclosed trailer pulled by your present vehicle? Wayne [/QUOTE]

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