Ford vs Chevy

[Glenn P]

Not trying to start a riot! Asking as I am new to the forum and will be new to 4x4 vans shortly. I am trying to get a sense of which van is better for me. I most likely will be buying new unless a lower mileage 7.3 E series comes up when I’m ready to pull the trigger. I will be using the van to haul surfboards inside of it and to drive the forest service roads of AZ, CA, UT, AND CO for fishing and camping.Looking for the pros and cons of the Transit and the Chevy. Thanks

[REF]

Glen, first off welcome....second, I think you’ll find this forum is already filled up with as many “Ford vs. Chevy” threads as it can handle! The search feature is your friend, but I’m not sure you’re comparing apples to apples here....There is no new Chevy van that would be equivalent to the Transit platform, they are still making the same old Express, which would be more comparable to the old Ford Econoline series.
Another thing to consider is that most van up fitters have moved on to exclusively only converting the new platforms-Transit, Sprinter and Promaster, there’s still a few out there that will work on converting the Econolines and maybe Chevys, one that comes to mind is Colorado Camper Van.
If you’re just getting into the “van life” and want to be ahead of the game with something that might be a bit easier to drive, have better road manners, more desirable to others when it comes time to sell, have a larger network of up fitters to choose from in the future, go with one of the new platforms.

[WhitH]

Given the age of a 7.3 Ford diesel these days that set up would be pretty low on my list. The Ford V10 or GM 6.0 or Duramax diesel would slot above. There’s is another thread somewhere because I remember commenting, but it’s a matter of goals offroad etc but more importantly the right van at the right price. The transit would be a good option in my mind for sure given your goals. Ecoboost if you can. The base v6 is a little anemic.

[marret]

Agree with above comments.

Based on your stated requirements, a Transit might be a better choice.

GM vans are more equivalent to the Econolines. One good thing with the GM platform is it has been manufactured a long time.

Few threads:
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ord-18547.html
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...0-a-15577.html
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ord-21442.html

[Glenn P]

Ref, thanks. I have had 2 7.3s in the past, in trucks and loved them. You make some great points about resell. My one concern about the transit is ground clearance. I haven’t seen any lift kits. As for the Chevy I can’t help it I just like the styling of the Chevy and E series ford over the transit. Thanks again, I am not a 4x4 virgin but have not had a van. I want the van because I have had too many knee and ankle surgeries to want to climb up on top of a vehicle to haul down surfboards.

[Glenn P]

Thank you WhitH! I appreciate the perspective.

[vintageracer]

You can debate which van (GM,Ford, Mercedes) is better until the cows come home as everybody has their opinion and preference.

I suggest you FIRST focus on which 4WD conversion you will purchase. Decide what are your real needs, wants and desires BEFORE you choose if you go GM or Ford for the van. There are several good van 4WD converters out there and a BUNCH OF HACKS!

Deciding which 4WD conversion YOU believe best matches your wants, needs, desires and budget will dictate which van (GM or Ford) you choose to purchase. Lot's of Ford van 4WD converters out there and just a few GM van 4WD converters to choose from.

Decide the brand/installer of the 4WD conversion FIRST! That will make the decision easy for you as to which van (GM or Ford) you choose to purchase!

[carringb]

IMO there's a bigger difference between the E-series and Transit, than the E-series vs Express.

Figuring out your needs will go a long ways towards figuring out a platform. Chevy doesn't build a tall van, and the Transit can't be converted to solid axle.

What about towing? The Transit has the lowest GCWR. The E-series has the highest. Chevy is in the middle.

If you'll be doing lots of washboard roads... The best riding body-on-frame van still won't close to touching the ride of the Transit....

[Glenn P]

Thank you sir! Wants vs needs are a big consideration. I appreciate the help.

[Glenn P]

Thank you. I have looking at vans for over 30 years and I am still learning. Really appreciate the help.