first tow impression with the new to me work van... approx gcw 20k, van and contents approx 8500lbs; approx gcw empty 10500lbs.
- when empty, this is the first gas rig i've felt comfortable using cruise control. i typically don't use cruise with my ford gas vehicles because the kick down into passing gear to maintain speed was usually abrupt and made the rpm rise into the 4000's. i really don't like to spin that high. i would typically apply throttle, manually, very early to get a run on the next incline- that said, i am a huge fan of the 5r110 in fords, but first impression of the 6l90 behind the 6.0 is very good; yes my identical passenger van works just as well (towing manche at 17k gcw) but it's geared 3.42 vs. the cargo's 3.73, a major difference in seat of the pants feel from torque and horsepower...the passenger van
will get regeared in the future...hint hint
@Jody Treadway. the extra gear in the 6l90 is a definite plus...
- when loaded, i did not use cruise, but it's a non-issue. haven't used cruise for work in a few years when towing. in my million miles of towing experience, the transmission is what does the real work, no matter the engine, gas or diesel. again, maintaining speed in the van was a non-issue when loaded. it really likes to stay around 75 and 2200 rpms in top gear when heavy, while dropping to 5th and 4th a few times on some hills on I-77 N, maxing about 3400 rpm. what really impressed me was 10.5 mpg all day on a tank and a half, hand checked, identical to the computer along with gallons used being dead on. that's 1mpg better than the passenger van for recreation, 1.5 mpg better than the f250 with 5.4/5r110 and 2.5 better than the f450 with v10/5pd man!
- but my main reason for going with a van, aside from i just like vans; ( my first vehicle was a 77 econoline, and this van makes my 5th fullsize) was the overall ride and comfort level. the ride is plush yet controlled. being able to place carried load absolutely between the axles rather than on and behind, as in a pickup, makes for excellent braking and suspension characteristics, you'll find it difficult to load a long wheel base van, and end up with your nose up. f450/550's excluded, this is a huge improvement over any brand pickup i've used. and secondly, overall noise and comfort...every pickup i've ever used be it new or 250k miles is just noisy in the chassis and rattle department... but not a fullsize van. thirdly is seating position. pickups have gradually turned into cars as far as having your feet in front rather than under your ass. this is uncomfortable for long durations for me at 6'4". but the van seating remains unchanged. I sit up, above my knees with my feet under me, much like a chair, and it just works better for me.
- towed a load yesterday with the cargo, nothing on the van (6400 gross) but combined with trailer 17k. almost exact chassis characteristics and ride as the previous load with weight in the van. towing the same load with a pickup...backaches and involuntary filling removal...
