Ford vs Chev (Cargo Van)

[rlepperson]

For towing a 22-26 foot airstream (6000 lbs + or -), what are the advantages of a ford vs chev cargo van, shortbed and extended?

[cwf]

Long wheelbase for more storage. Short for maneuverability. Whichever is primary need.

Ford has some nice passenger vans if that is your need.

[r carl]

Go drive both and it will become apparent.

[polarlyse]

Ford used to offer a diesel. Not sure if they still do. Longer WB will be more stable for towing.

[Stefrobrts]

I don't believe Ford vans have two wheelbases, the longer vans just have a longer rear overhang. More rear overhang is bad, I would go with the 9 passenger to get minimum overhang.

We towed with a 5.7L 9 pass E150 for ten years. Other than a wonky rear suspension setup (it was super stiff because it had airbags back there, previous owner's modification), I really liked all the cargo room. The dogs rode on the backseat, and re removed the third row seat and had all that space for extras. I believe it had something like a 6600lb towing capacity - far beyond what we needed. Only other downside was it did not have a limited slip in the rear, and so if it got one side in the mud, it would just spin that wheel. Got stuck on a paved spot once when we got one wheel in the mud off the side of the pad.

[Bill Lynch]

Ford dropped the venerable Econoline for the Euro Transit. The Transit is narrower and more 'delicate'. Similar to the Mercedes Sprinter.

I don't believe the Transit can tow as much as the former Econoline or the current Savanna/Chevrolet.

[Stefrobrts]

They dropped it completely?!! Oh man, I'm sorry to hear that! We really liked the E150, I could totally see us going back to one someday, especially if we get a larger trailer someday for longer trips.

[Bill Lynch]

Originally Posted by Stefrobrts

They dropped it completely?!! Oh man, I'm sorry to hear that! We really liked the E150, I could totally see us going back to one someday, especially if we get a larger trailer someday for longer trips.

Yep, all gone. Of course there are plentiful used ones. Maybe even some leftover unsold new ones at the occasional dealer.

Ford still supplies limited E-350 and E-450 cab chassis to RV and bus makers but those will be gone soon too.

[m.hony]

The Chevy Express/GMC Savana extended vans actually have a longer wheelbase- great for loading/towing.
The Ford Econoline regular length and extended vans are on the same wheel base, with 18" more van added behind the rear wheels on the extended van- bad for loading and towing-
The Chevy Express/GMC Savana, even though an outdated body style, is a newer body style than the Econoline.
It's really moot, as Ford has discontinued production of the Econolines.
I think it is just a matter of time (a short time- 2017?) until GM does a new body style on the Chevy Express/GMC Savana. I also have a feeling that the Chevy Express/GMC Savana could possibly become the same as the Nissan NV because the current small vans- Nissan NV 2000/Chevy Express City- are the same-