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Old 08-04-2015, 04:44 PM   #1
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Ford E 350 vs Chevy 3500

Really new to the forum. I'm sure there is a topic for suggestions on best van to convert but I can't find one. Can someone share a link to this topic.

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Old 08-04-2015, 08:50 PM   #2
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Re: Ford E 350 vs Chevy 3500

Try buying an entry level rig......Ford, Chevy & Dodge are fine.

Use it for a while and see what settles in for your needs.

A SMB is Expensive. You can take a older high mileage rig 99-05 and rebuild every singe regular wear item for 2-3G. (within reason)


Start with the 1st one that calls to you. then end up with your dream rig.


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Old 08-04-2015, 09:53 PM   #3
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Re: Ford E 350 vs Chevy 3500

Ford by far has the best aftermarket support. Chevy next and Dodge hardly any at all. It will be interesting how this shifts in the next few years though with all the new vans out there. Sprinters are definitely catching up.
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Old 08-04-2015, 10:16 PM   #4
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Re: Ford E 350 vs Chevy 3500

For me, first choice would be an E350..then maybe an E250.....depends how old you want to go and if you want to start with a cargo or window van.

...and then there are Sprinters, and now Promasters and Transits. A used Sprinter potentially offers a fixed high top and better fuel economy than the econoline series. If you are thinking 4WD than E350.
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Old 08-05-2015, 02:14 PM   #5
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Re: Ford E 350 vs Chevy 3500

Quote:
Originally Posted by mtnbiker
Really new to the forum. I'm sure there is a topic for suggestions on best van to convert but I can't find one. Can someone share a link to this topic.
Here's my comparison on Ford vs. Chevy.

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/vie...php?f=5&t=6209
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Old 08-05-2015, 02:32 PM   #6
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Re: Ford E 350 vs Chevy 3500

I have a 2010 Chevy 3500 Express van. It is a very nice driving vehicle. Comfortable to drive even in high winds with my low profile top. I have the larger engine and after 25,000 miles I am averaging right at 15 mph per the computer. We spend most of our time in the 4 corner states so there is plenty of mountain driving.
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Old 08-05-2015, 03:57 PM   #7
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Re: Ford E 350 vs Chevy 3500

It really depends on what you plan on doing.

Basic 2WD camper conversion, either will do. The RB (regular body) vans are pretty comparable. For an ultra-light camper, Chevy offers AWD in the 1500 van. For an EB van (extended body) Chevy uses a longer wheelbase, which gives it a school-bus-like turning radius. Also, for a heavy build, it doesn't have as much torque or towing capacity as the Ford.

For a full 4x4 SportsMobile style van, really Ford is only choice and that is why SMB only did 4x4 to the Ford. The Chevy frame just isn't quite as robust/over-built.
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Old 08-06-2015, 05:48 PM   #8
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Re: Ford E 350 vs Chevy 3500

Wow thanks for all the replies. I guess I should have mentioned what we plan on doing with camper van. We want to convert it to a 4 x 4, will be going mostly on dirt roads getting to backpacking areas, and mountain biking trails. We don't need a lot of amenities so we won't be getting one fully decked out. Our list of items so far.

4 X 4 - which is the best to convert E350, 3500 or a Transit?
Pop up top, not sure yet on Sportsmobile or Colorado Camper Van's style
Won't be getting a shower in the Van we like to outdoors type of shower.
Will be sleeping in the Van. We used to have a Euro Van but realized it couldn't take us to some of the places we wanted to go.
Oh and a fiamma awning
I'm sure we will put more in like Frig, Heater things like that.

The biggest thing I need to know now is which Van I should look at. We have a fleet dealer in our area, he has all kinds of inventory. Mostly E350, 3500, Savana. And other models which escapes me at the moment.
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