Forum Discussion

Boyz312's avatar
Boyz312
Explorer
Dec 19, 2014

My Fantasy Package

Been researching for a while and and I think I've come up with a package that best suits our needs. My girlfriend and I plan on living and traveling on a semi-permanent basis to start. Your input would be greatly appreciated.

RV - 93 to 96 Safari Trek 2430 (leaning toward a 454 power plant)

Dinghy - 94-98 Ford ranger (Long Bed) or similar p/u truck with a V6 and 5-speed manual transmission that can be flat towed and carry a 750lb motorcycle in the bed. Truck weighs in about 3000 lbs, load capacity exceeds my needs.

Now my questions for you folks.

1. Is this a viable package
2. If not a 454 power plant, what is the best choice
3. Does this raise any concerns that I need to address.

ANY and ALL Opinions, Comments Welcomed. Thank you.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Dec 26, 2014
    I had a 1989 S-10 Blazer with a 4.3 TBI Vortec engine. Again, the word "Vortec" is just a word that means nothing.
  • bsinmich's avatar
    bsinmich
    Explorer
    Dec 26, 2014
    I had a '96 Pace Arrow with Vortec. It was a huge improvement over the TBI. The tow limit was 3500#. A 3000# truck with a 750# motorcycle, plus everything else you could put in that truck bed (spare gas can, parts, bicycle, etc,) would be well over the limit.
  • turbojimmy's avatar
    turbojimmy
    Explorer
    Dec 22, 2014
    Lynnmor wrote:
    I had several Vortec's now I have a truck load of PowerStrokes. ;)


    LOL. Not touching that one.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Dec 22, 2014
    turbojimmy wrote:
    Lynnmor wrote:
    Vortec is just a silly word that Chevy has used for years. It means nothing. The marketing departments come up with titles that cause people to think they are getting something special.


    Really? Have you seen the actual votec action going on in the cylinder heads and combustion chambers?

    I thought not.

    Me neither.

    Clever marketing though. Like Miller's Vortex bottles. I store Vortex in my Avalanche, which is powered by a 5.3 Vortec. I'm a sucker for clever marketing.

    Fantasy Package is a good one though. It would be cool if it was a trim line on a truck. You have your base, standard, premium and "fantasy."


    I had several Vortec's now I have a truck load of PowerStrokes. ;)
  • turbojimmy's avatar
    turbojimmy
    Explorer
    Dec 22, 2014
    Lynnmor wrote:
    Vortec is just a silly word that Chevy has used for years. It means nothing. The marketing departments come up with titles that cause people to think they are getting something special.


    Really? Have you seen the actual votec action going on in the cylinder heads and combustion chambers?

    I thought not.

    Me neither.

    Clever marketing though. Like Miller's Vortex bottles. I store Vortex in my Avalanche, which is powered by a 5.3 Vortec. I'm a sucker for clever marketing.

    Fantasy Package is a good one though. It would be cool if it was a trim line on a truck. You have your base, standard, premium and "fantasy."
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Dec 20, 2014
    Vortec is just a silly word that Chevy has used for years. It means nothing. The marketing departments come up with titles that cause people to think they are getting something special.
  • tatest's avatar
    tatest
    Explorer II
    Dec 20, 2014
    FWIW, my 92 Ranger XLT shortbed regular cab 3.0 V-6 five-speed was 3300 pounds on the scales, and my 2001 Ranger Edge regular cab 3.0 V-6 five-speed was just under 3500. The most I've carried in either was 600 pounds of roll-up dance floor, and that had the rear springs almost down to the stops.
  • turbojimmy's avatar
    turbojimmy
    Explorer
    Dec 20, 2014
    TucsonJim wrote:
    I have a fantasy package too. So many possible jokes, so little time, plus I can get in trouble on this forum.


    Yeah, I lost him at "fantasy package".
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Dec 20, 2014
    Hi,

    Make sure you can purchase Chassis parts. I ran into that problem on my 1987 E-350.

    My opinion is that the unit is too old. It may nickle and dime you to death.
  • 1oldtruck's avatar
    1oldtruck
    Explorer
    Dec 20, 2014
    93-95 GM trucks had throttle body injection(TBI). In 96 they went to the Vortec series engine giving it a slight power increase. I have owned and towed with both and the Vortec is a vast improvement.

    Not sure if the Vortec was offered in motorhomes in 1996 but it would be worth asking and trying to locate one if it is.

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