Van market changes 2011-2014

[ihatemybike]

Checked out the Fiat Ducato, not a bad looking rig either

Jayco:

It's Butter Face.....

[RR1]

I don't think any of these new vans would like to tow my 5,000 pound boat around.

None of the current vans will pull our old Deere 755...

[Accrete]

in the Ford transit article; "The AWD system is purely mechanical and operates automatically so that the driver is not distracted by having to engage the system. In slippery conditions the system simply increases drive to the front wheels, enhancing the vehicle's overall road performance."

This is exactly why my wife and i purchased our 2010 1500 chevy awd van last year. We knew going in we would not be towing anything and had seen great campers in the WESTY size/weight range so the 1/2 ton chassis wasn't a down side. And now that the van is finished and on the road getting ~20mpg on the open highway and ~16 in town it's a keeper.

BUT we do look forward to the changes and will get something in a few years so the news is good : )

[truck mechanic]

From a " fix it guys " stand point, I like the direction Nissan took with the " old " style panel truck look, put the engine out front where this fat guy can work on it with out having to pull a seat or two out of the truck.
just my .02
Paul

[Sleeping Dog]

As a small business owner with 3 Ford Econolines (gas) and 1 Sprinter (diesel), I'll take that question.

The Fords are less expensive to maintain and repair. Have you priced Mercedes dealer shop rates lately?

The Fords are less complicated mechanically - the Sprinter turbo just blew up last week, on a long drive hauling cargo. Happily, replaced under warranty, but not a pleasant thought post-warranty.

The Fords have more sturdy bodies - we rented the Sprinter out, and the renters failed to tie down stuff properly. The sliding stuff dented the Sprinter from the inside out...and dent removal places don't handle those easily.

If a renter whacks a door, we can find them in junkyards.

We live in CA - and diesels are problematic due to CARB regulations on them.

Our clients pay for the gas, so mileage is irrelevant to us.

So yes, there are instances in which the Econolines make a lot more sense than the Sprinter.

Sandi

Here in the rust belt, I've noticed that Sprinters rust out like they were built in the 80's. Commercial vehicles aren't taken to auto spa very often and it shows on Sprinters. Just an observation.

Jim

[Sleeping Dog]

I don't think any of these new vans would like to tow my 5,000 pound boat around.

Probably not, with the upcoming changes in efficiency standards this will become a problem. Not that they won't tow 5000+#, but accelerate and cruise at speeds that we've become accustomed will be a memory. Unless you bring lots of money of course.

Jim

[Desert Dan]

please give us 4x4 with low range.

I like the Nissan Truck based Van but no 4x4 yet? What gives?