Ford E350 Econoline questions

I have a 1987 Nissan UD, with an 18' box and the larger, naturally aspirated six cylinder. Body rot was my biggest problem, although the newer ones are supposed to have that problem solved ( I live near salt water). It's easy to drive, and the ride is better than similar size domestic trucks. I got about

13 mpg initially, probably 11 now. 17,600 GVW, brakes are great, even fully loaded. Acceleration is OK, but top speed is about 64 mph. I would seriously consider a four cylinder shorter bed version if I was in the market for a truck.
Reply to
ATP*
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On Sun, 20 May 2007 03:42:38 GMT, with neither quill nor qualm, Ecnerwal quickly quoth:

It all depends on the state's DMV, the newspaper's categories, and the poster's expertise. Very scientific...not.

That's precisely what I've been pondering since a UniMOG is out of my price range (damnit.)

- Metaphors Be With You -

Reply to
Larry Jaques

On Sun, 20 May 2007 05:23:48 GMT, with neither quill nor qualm, Gunner quickly quoth:

Yeah, but at least it's tarped. I have so much crap in my shop I can't get to my welder to build a stand or have room once I did. Well, Lowes just sent a flyer with a 10x14 barn-style shed for just $499. That's better than I can do for wood in building my own.

True, and I actually drove in the snow a few times this year.

I think I could afford diesel more easily than regular unleaded, but after Carl's post (Thanky, Mr. Burns) I definitely need to check fuel mileage and ride comfort before I buy.

Yeah, not with damnear $4 fuel prices, those FUCKS.

Reply to
Larry Jaques

I have a '90 E350 with the 7.3 diesel and E4OD trans. On the highway, it sips fuel. In town, it guzzles it if you don't keep your foot light!

But it'll also haul anything you can stuff into it. I went to Tractor Supply here and bought 50 6" treated fence posts and they didn't want to load them into the van until I told them I'd take the responsibility for weight but not damage if they smacked it with their forklift. The thing barely settled on the springs. (Old Ohio Edison van with 18" raised roof and a 1500 watt inverter)

Reply to
John Husvar

I run my truck commercially. It has a gross vehicle weight of 23,900 lb. and has hydraulic brakes. I am required to have it inspected every six months and have to carry a medical card ( i get inspected every two years). If I run the truck out of state I would need a federal DOT number.

I have been stopped twice by the state roving dot cops. Not a big deal. They were nice enough, told me I had to have a medical card but the rest of the truck was in good shape. The same inspector stopped me a month later and checked to see if I had the medical card which I did. Last month one of them pulled out and followed me up the hill and when half way up made a U turn and went back to where he was sitting. Probably he ran my plate and found that I was stopped twice already in the last year.

18.000 lb. is when most of the regulations kick in. Air brakes require a CDL. CDL licenses cost more money and heaven forbid you get a ticket when you are driving your car. The fines go way up if you have a CDL. If I were gunner I would get a good diesel van or pickup and a good trailer to put all his junk in. Registration is a lot cheaper on a trailer than a bigger truck and you can unhitch the trailer when you don't need the capacity. This 24 ft. box truck is a pain to maneuver but since I use it mainly to run parts to and from my customers, it works fine for me. Average weight of each part is over 2000 lb.. and I have a useful load of about 10,000 lb.

John

Reply to
john

s is some method to avoid tariffs or some such reasoning.

Howard Garner

Reply to
Howard R Garner

Mine's a 17,600 GVWR but basic regulations regarding a fire extinguisher, flares or reflective triangles, etc. apply. Placarding also applies if you're carrying certain cargo. Not a big deal but if it was registered under

12 in NYS they wouldn't even be looking for that stuff.
Reply to
ATP*

One thing you have to watch is pulling a trailer with a combined vehicle weight of more than xxxxxx lbs... not sure. You fall into the catagory that requires a CDL class A. In PA, they will go after you if you look like you fit into that catagory. The fire extuingisher, flares and triangles are a good idea with any vehicle.

John

Reply to
John

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