[s-cars] Work vehicle advice needed, a little late

[Bluemaxww1 at aol.com]

Hi,
Personally, a van is a better deal than a truck.  You can carry more  stuff 
than a truck, and you don't have to worry about equipment being exposed to  the 
weather or thieves.  It is easier getting in and out of a van than it  is the 
back of a pickup.
 
I had a 89 chevy van for years, beefed tranny, 350, cam, P&P head,  etc.  It 
was a little too maxed out for the hills out of LA.
 
I tow a coupe in an 18 foot enclosed trailer to local track  events. Total 
weight is 6700 pounds.   Everywhere you go, is over  hills or mountains to get 
out of LA.  Vegas, Buttonwillow,  Willlow Springs, requires a climb.  Maxed out 
the Chevy would  do  50 up the back side of the grapevine,.
 
So I figured it was time to trade up for a diesel van.  I bought a  used 2005 
E350 6.0l turbo diesel.  45,000 miles on the clock, with  motor warranty till 
5 years and 100,000 miles.  I got it for 25K.  I  upgraded the hitch to a 
type 5 and installed Air Ride rear suspension air  bags.  The Ford vans come with 
a connection for towing with the seven spade  connector already installed in 
the rear.  You just have to buy whatever  brake controller you want, or buy 
the Ford one.
 
The van get 19+ without a load and 14+ towing the trailer.  It has  two  
front captain seats and a 2nd and 3rd row seats.  I took out the  3 rd row and use 
that area for cargo.  If I am working on my house I take  out the 2nd row 
too.  It is comfortable tows real well and carries more  stuff than a truck.
 
It tows the backside of the grapevine at 60+ without a strain.
 
Greg W.  (buy a van not a truck)