Ok, I dont want a hummer and have too much equipment for a Ford Transit. I have had a GMC Savanah 3500 and liked it ok. For those who use The Chevy Express or the Ford E Van, what are the pros and cons of each?
It depends on what model year(s)…
Chevy’s (GM) parts are more interchangeable with the other GM parts. GM = easiest to get parts and repair. The Express gets slightly better gas mileage than the Econoline from what I hear. Chevy usually have a smoother ride. The E van probably has it’s pros too. I’ve always leaned towards the Chevrolets but I think they are pretty comparable.
Maybe this thread will spark a Ford vs Chevy war to rival the soap wars 
BTW is your “free candy” van an econoline Shawn?
My work van is an E series ford - not sure aboiut the avatar
last few days a Chevrolet commercial has been on tv here in England. thats very unusual for here and looks like they are finally going to sell Gm cars here . but i saw no vans in the advert . i would think they are too wide for the roads here but it would be great to see a full size van for a change
I can speak from experience having had a 2003 Ford E350 for 7 1/2 years. The ride was pretty smooth, I thought. The seats comfortable. Plenty of room for storage and easy to install a ladder rack. Gas mileage was not too stellar as expected. My only regret was that I got a passenger van with 3 rows. I took out the rear bench and then had plenty of storage, but the mounting rails for the bench didn’t allow me flat storage all the way across and plastic panels and windows held me back from building shelves on the sides. Unfortunately, you can’t have a cargo setup AND 2 or more rows of passenger seating. It’s one or the other, unless that’s changed.
I have driven both extensively and like the Chevy much better. The steering and handling is much tighter, and the gas mileage is a little better. In the extended wheelbase version, the Chevy axle is further back which lets it hold more weight and handle it better.
The handling is the biggest difference, in my opinion. If you drive one right after another it’s very obvious…the E’s just feel looser. Honestly though, you’ll end up liking whichever you get and both are good vans.
My chevy vans seem to be indestructible… one doesn’t get used much anymore but has 320k miles with original everything and runs perfectly fine. The other is at 175k and no issues yet. I haven’t had any issues with the Ford either, but it’s just now at 100k so it’s not old enough to judge just yet.
I’ve had both, prefer the space in the econoline and prefer the handling of the chevy
. The front end of the Fords seem to always give trouble, so if you are buying used, have your mechanic test the front end. Costs about $1000 to repair around here
If that Ford has a diesel engine find out which specific engine it is. They put out one that is fine and one that is a serious lemon in the last 10years. I am not sure exactly which but a diligent search online or some posts on mechanic forums will reveal the truth.
I currently drive a 94 E 250 which I brought used two years ago w/ just under 100k. Here are my thoughts…the body is a tank, the motor is strong but the tyranny is weak and the gas mileage stinks. As for Chevy, I test drove one back in late Nov. 2011…nice! However, the body appeared cheap; motor seemed strong as well did the tyranny. As for the gas mileage, unsure.
If I had to choose either of the two, I would choose Chevy express 2500 cargo for more reason than expressed above; i.e. more leg room behind the steering wheel, sleek body style.
Overall thought, just starting out I would only buy a van if I was using a wfp system and/or a 32’-40’ ladder. Otherwise I would use a minivan and some sectional ladders and go get that $.
I hope my two cents helps!</SPAN>
What all are you wanting to store in your vehicle? In other words is there anything you don’t have to carry with you 24/7? Using a transit or similar vehicle would save A LOT of money in every sense.
I have this old "92 chevy van 20… what an awesome van. the mpg is excellent at 18 on highways, it purrs like a kitty even though it’s pretty beaten up. Got it for 180 bucks as it was going to be scrapped and I’m happy as a clam with it. can’t believe how well it runs and handles for an old beat up thing. I call it the Creeper van for grins and giggles…
I had 1998 e250, '06 express 2500, and chevy astro. Take express any day. Ride is great, comfortable seats, handling much better than ford. No problems with chevy. Ford was in the shop few times a year, always something small and annoying. It only had 120k miles on it. I was getting about 14-16mpg express, compare to 11-13mpg ford. Plenty of power from small V8, i pulled 7000lbs with no sweat.
Just bought this today. What do you all think. Just need to put the ladder rack and three ladders on it. It only has three wheels so I figure I will save on tires when the time comes. Lol​:joy:
I have used the E-150 van for years. Also have had Astros and Currently a Ford Transit used just for small route work. Hope these pictures spark your creativity and ingenuity. I looked at the space that I had and where everything should be positioned for ease of access according to the way I worked and items most often needed ( " Flow " ). And then designed and build up the space.
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