Handicapped Van

[Jerry Nicholson]

I am about to order a new van. It will be converted to be driven by a Quadriplegic - me. I run about 15K/yr - 10K around town, 2.5k solo to Oregon coast, 2.5K towing 30ft 9000lb TT in Idaho mountains (6-7% 5-6 mile long grades) and to Oregon coast. I have these questions;
1. As I can not do any maintinance and can not live with much down time - this will be my only transportation - is the PSD a good way to go?
2. If I do a PSD would I be happy with 3:55's?
3. Is there any published data on PSD vs V10 repairs?

[DK]

Jerry,

1)I think the PSD is an excellent way to go. They are good engines that get good mileage, last a long time, and are dependable.

2) I would get the 3.55. The 3.55 will give you better MPG and the majority of your driver is without a trailer. The only time you will be a little disappointed with the 3.55 is on the steep grades with the trailer. Since you are going to be towing only 2500/year, I would live with the slightly slow towing rig in exchange for better MPG the rest of the time. The PSD has enough power to get the job done with the 3.55s. It would be different if you were towing a lot more. Think of it this way...the steep grades might total 200 miles out of the 15,000 miles you drive per year. If my math is right, that's only 1.33% of the total miles. So for the other 98.67% of the time, you could be getting better milage with the 3.55s.

3) Not that I know of.

DK

[Hotwheels]

Hi, i am a para and tow a 26.6 foot pontoon boat and plan on getting a travel trailer. I dont think that you could go wrong with a diesel van. I have had vans for the last 20 years and the next one is going to be a Diesel. Think of it this way, what are your options? I dont see a bunch if you want to tow! I am waiting for my 00 to be delivered, and then it goes to the converter for the goodies. Like they say "just do it"

good luck Bert!

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I love the smell of diesel in the morning!!!!
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00, E-350, Chateau, White/Silver, 3.55LS, Alarm, Cass/CD, Privacy Glass, 245/75r/16, 7.3 Diesel !!!!

[HeyBob]

Get the diesel, I just bought another cube van last week with a V10.....what a gas hog..
I should have held out for another diesel, but as usual crisis management prevailed!

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cogito ergo zoom

98 E-350 Cargo van PSD
99 E-350 Clubwagon XLT PSD
Emerald Green, Factory aluminum
wheels, I found em at a garage sale
for $400.00
Three screaming kids in back seat, noise from engine drowns them out!
Don't ya just love it?