Buying a used van: what to look for
So I've spent the past few days trying to absorb all the different numbers involved and reading thread after thread, and I think I'm ready to ask my own questions. I'm sure I'll still sound like I hav...
Forum Discussion
Seats: some people take out the bench seats and install 4-8 buckets. While I do prefer bucket seats in general, I also appreciate benches for the kids to rest while traveling.
If you want the Ford, get the 6.8L V10. It offers far more power while using the same amount of fuel in such heavy vehicles and towing. For GM, get something with the 6.0L/6-spd trans, which is around 2010+. Again, good power and best non-towing fuel economy outside of a diesel. That will get you all the required towing hardware except possibly brake controller for more like 8-10k pounds.
Getting 8k+ tow rating will allow to look at larger RVs. That Rockwoood 2505 looks pretty good for sleeping arrangements for a family of 6, but you need to consider storage and living a family of 6 for rainy days. I do not see where my family or 5 would keep all the pots/pans/cooking stuff/food as well as clothes for a long weekend at the beach, let alone a week long trip. I highly recommend the Outback 301. It is no longer made, but they are well made and a great floorplan. It was on our list to upgraded TTs until we decided to hold onto ours longer.
If you want the Ford, get the 6.8L V10. It offers far more power while using the same amount of fuel in such heavy vehicles and towing. For GM, get something with the 6.0L/6-spd trans, which is around 2010+. Again, good power and best non-towing fuel economy outside of a diesel. That will get you all the required towing hardware except possibly brake controller for more like 8-10k pounds.
Getting 8k+ tow rating will allow to look at larger RVs. That Rockwoood 2505 looks pretty good for sleeping arrangements for a family of 6, but you need to consider storage and living a family of 6 for rainy days. I do not see where my family or 5 would keep all the pots/pans/cooking stuff/food as well as clothes for a long weekend at the beach, let alone a week long trip. I highly recommend the Outback 301. It is no longer made, but they are well made and a great floorplan. It was on our list to upgraded TTs until we decided to hold onto ours longer.
