Is anyone going to the races in just a full size van? I am thinking of getting a van to replace my pickup and trailer. I was wondering what kind of gas mileage they get loaded up. It has to be better an the 10 or 11 mpg I am getting now. Thanks!
the last couple of years i drove to some pretty far removed races with new ford vans. i work at the plant that they are made at and i had access to preproduction models. they were both getting around 14 or 15 fully loaded and were quite comfortable to drive with either 3 or 4 bikes loaded in them. they were both e-350 extended models with a v8 gas engine. if you decide to buy a NEW ford, drop me a line, i can get you an x-plan pin # that would save you a few thousand dollars chi jer
I remove the seats in my Town & Country van and have a 4.0 liter motor (205 Hp) in it and get 26 to 28 on the HWY . If I draft a big rig truck even more, also no need for motel or tent with the van.
Look into a diesel powered van. They are more fuel efficient. My diesel suburban gets about 18mpg pulling a 5'x8' trailer with my sidecar rig on it. One thing about hauling bikes in a van....be really sure you have NO fuel leaks from the petcocks etc. Me and a buddy drove five hours to a meet with a leaky BSA M20 in the back of the van. We just made it, at about half our mental capacity..... and we got out of the van, laid down on the grass and slept for a couple hours. We woke up with killer headaches and staggered around the meet for the weekend. H.
I have an '05 F-150 5.4 V8 4x4 truck and I get 17-18mpg with a flatbed trailer with 4 bikes on it, which is the same as I get empty. I've never pulled an enclosed trailer with it yet, but I'd expect to lose 4-5mpg from the wind resistance of the box.
Brian
LG's van climbs big hills to.Found this out when he came to my house
Mickey
If you can find a decent used Sprinter, I've heard the Mercedes diesel in it gets in the mid-20's. Also, you might call Drew Smith at Works Enduro Rider...he came to the Reunion Ride in one of those new Ford Transit vans. Kind of cramped for space, but I'd be interested to know how it is on fuel. Assume it has a 4-banger.
Jeff DeBell
I have had a Ford E150 for the last 11 years, it is serving me very well and has performed outstanding. I have a 5.4 V8 in mine and get 18 mpg in town and as much as 22 on the highway. Have hauled as many as 5 vintage bikes in it at a time as well as 2 modern bikes (just hauled my new F800GS Beemer home in it with no problems. I have also hauled a 22 ft enclosed trailer with it with no complaints. You can sleep in it also in total comfort. No reason to own a truck as a van is the same with more features! My opinion;) Also, this is my 5th van since I have been driving, have owned them all and Ford seems to be the best all around for me.
Thanks for all the info guys! I will be leaning towards a Ford F150, with a 5.4 motor. The Mercs are too much money for my budget! Thanks again. Jl
I've been doing the van thing for years. Love 'em. My current van is a Chevy Express (extended 15 passenger). I removed the last three bench seats but I left the the front bench seat installed. Even so I can roll my bike inside and still have a couple of feet of free space in the back. Once I unload, guess what? I can use all that room for my living space (like folding out my army cot for sleeping). Much more wind/rain proof than a tent, plus I get built in heat, A/C & stereo. But what I really enjoy is the aroma of the dirt and mud from when the bike is on it's way home after a ride/race. Of course you get an extra measure of security when your bike is locked inside.
Pete Petrick
175 Jackpiner
Slow but Good
i have a 2000 Ford E250 Long WB 5.4 V8 that i use mainly for bike transport, it will make it from my home in South Jersey to Mid-Ohio fully loaded pulling my flatbed trailer on one tank of gas :-))
the comfort level is like riding in my living room chair :-))
i bought it 2nd hand from a fellow ECEA racer here in Jersey who used it for that same purpose,
mine has 210,000 miles on it and runs as new, another thing that i believe is a true testament to is it has had nothing but Mobil 1 in it since new,
the Ford gets my vote :-))
Mike Gallagher, NJ.
[email protected]
Jim, didn't you have a flat nose ford van back in the day? I remember a lot of shag carpet. Lol. Or maybe it was eds :)
74 puch 175 SD
73 Husky 360 WR/RT
75 Penton 250
10 ktm 250xc
02 bmw r1150r
as a ford employee, i recieve 5 x-plans a year to give to anyone. it yields a substantial savings. so if anyone is in the market for any new ford, feel free to contact me. the process takes only a couple of minutes. and if i use all mine up i have a whole lot of friends at work to enlist too. chi jer
If you are looking at a used Ford with the 5.4 engine you might want to read this.
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/ford-drivers-sue-over-troubled-spark-plugs/nMkL2/
I have 2004 with the 5.4, when it neared the recommended 100,000 plug change time I inquired about having it done and was not only advised to not touch the plugs unless it was absolutely a necessity, but was also shown Ford's own service advisory on doing so. Don't take me wrong, I love my Fords, and my Subaru...but I don't want to see anyone else get into this situation if they can avoid it. The F-150 is still running strong on it's original plugs at 146,000 miles, I think the monthly trips to Amherst at 70 -75 mph might be keeping the plugs clean :)
Good luck...
Paul
Same here Paul, my '05 5.4 has the original plugs with 157k miles on them and it runs like new. I am not going to touch them until I have a very good reason to do so.
Brian
My 2000 F150 4x4 pulling the trailer gets 13 to 16mpg Depending on what speed I run.... 55-60MPH = 15-16mpg. 70mph = 13mpg
Going to Tulsa, using my hitch carrier, running 70-75MPH averaged 13.5 MPG for the trip
125k miles on it.. Original plugs...(should prob. change them)
Been thinking about using my wifes T&C Mini-van for the long distance ones. 20-22mpg with it. Would have saved $160.
Bob Bean
1986 ISDE Italy
1987 ISDE Poland
1989 ISDE Germany
1970 125 Six Day
1973 100 Berkshire
1973 Jackpiner 175
1974 Penton 250 Harescrambler
1976 Husky 250CR
1981 Husky 250CR
1982 Husky 250CR
1983 Honda CR480
1985 Husky 400WRX
1985 Husky 400WR
Really??? I have a 2000 150 four wheel drive with a 5.4l motor, and pull a 10' enclosed trailer, and I am only getting 10 or 11 mpg! My thinking is to leave the trailer home, and just take the van, hence much better mileage. I really appreciate all the input, and interesting stories. And yes Dale, the van was mine. It was a 1969 GMC, 6 cylinder, three speed. I had done the interior with a pull out bed, closet, and kitchen storage on the side doors, and a bike ramp on the back bumper for the bike. My home away from home every weekend!
1976 MC 5 Original Owner
1976 Hercules 250 GS
1976 Hercules 175 GS
1982 Suzuki PE 175
2002 KTM 200 EXC
1976 Penton 175 GS
1981 KTM 250 (project)
I pull a flat bed trailer nowdays.. An enclosed trailer KILLS your milage.. 10-11 MPG is about norm pulling a enclosed trailer with your truck.
Bob
1986 ISDE Italy
1987 ISDE Poland
1989 ISDE Germany
1970 125 Six Day
1973 100 Berkshire
1973 Jackpiner 175
1974 Penton 250 Harescrambler
1976 Husky 250CR
1979 RM100
1981 Husky 250CR
1982 Husky 250CR
1983 Honda CR480
1985 Husky 400WRX
1985 Husky 400WR
Yup, the only reason I would pull an enclosed trailer is if I intended to camp in it, but for the gas you would save with a flat bed you could probably pay for most of a motel stay.
Brian
Well I do have the trailer set up for camping; I have a fold down bed, 110, 12V, and a propane stove/oven. It works out pretty well, but I could do the same with a van. I have past experience with that!