I respectfully disagree. A Ford E150 or E250 with a V8 engine should be more than adequate for the majority of power wheelchairs and van lifts on the market. I have owned 2 E150 vans and they have been excellent. I do recommend having an additional leaf added to the leaf spring on the lift side of the van which can be done at fairly reasonable cost. I also acknowledge that I live on the Atlantic Coast in Southeast Georgia and our terrain is flat, so a bigger van and engine may be required if you live where you need to be able to climb large hills on a regular basis. I know a lot of people much prefer the smaller vehicles and mini vans, but there is no way I could travel with my Hoyer lift, supplies and luggage without a full sized van. I also travel with several people at times which requires even more room. Just my 50 cents worth. I do wish anyone luck in purchasing a new vehicle. It is a major expense and is critical to our independence. Steve
_____ From: Paul Jacobson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, November 12, 2007 2:34 PM To: John S.; [email protected] Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Van Hi......I have a FORD 2006 E350.....I would say it is very important to get THE BIGGEST engine possible. The added equipment with the lift is incredibly heavy and taxing on the van. A small engine would not give you the power needed to offset the increased weight particularly over the long haul. God luck, Paul c5/6 San Diego ----- Original Message ----- From: John <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> S. To: [email protected] Sent: Monday, November 12, 2007 10:39 AM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Van I think William is dead on here. There is a place nearby here that does all kinds of customs for all kinds of reasons and I was talking to a service tech while he was eating at the diner and he said he isn't a Ford fan but when it comes to full size customizing the ford is much easier to work with. I prefer the looks of the GMC or the Chevy myself. The other tip: gas prices are never coming down. Get the smallest engine you can. Has anyone seen the 4cyl diesel utility van from Mercedes? I think it is selling as a dodge. Whatever you decide, my best wishes are with you. john P.S. I use public transport just about all the time. Its a $1.35 and everyone pees freely ;) Aides go free too. ----- Original Message ---- From: William Willis <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, November 12, 2007 9:23:09 AM Subject: FW: [QUAD-L] Van My understanding is that Fords are easier to adapt, especially if considerable modifications are required (lowered floor etc.) Something about frame construction. As for engine power, I would not turn around for the difference. _____ Date: Sun, 11 Nov 2007 17:34:06 -0500 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [email protected] Subject: [QUAD-L] Van Cullen here - Have been off list for about six week, hope all is well with everyone. We have been traveling and parked our dog sled at canadian border and now back in Arizona. I have decided to go back to a full size van to replace my mini van. It is between a chev and ford and I was wondering if anyone here has had experience with later models of either. I don't have any prefrence ,but ford has a 5.4 liter engine and I have been told it is alittle under power. Chevy has a 6.0 liter but chevy is more money. I think most here have mini vans , but I just thought I'd ask. Culleb C3 _____ Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. <http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/> Go to Yahoo! Answers. Peek-a-boo FREE Tricks & Treats for You! Get 'em! <http://www.reallivemoms.com/?ocid=TXT_TAGHM&loc=us> __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
