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Re: How difficult is it to extend a van?
Reed #667712 August 04th 2014 1:39 am
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 9,855
Likes: 234
carpal tunnel
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carpal tunnel
Joined: Sep 2005
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I've posted this before but here is a pic of a van I almost bought once. It was heavy duty E350 with eight (new) captains chairs and all the good stuff. Professionally engineered/designed tag axle with independent braking system and air bag suspension.
[Linked Image]
I backed up because it was a diesel....

Re: How difficult is it to extend a van?
Reed #667713 August 04th 2014 1:47 am
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 9,855
Likes: 234
carpal tunnel
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carpal tunnel
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Posts: 9,855
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Our friends at Volunteer Vans own this Ford. And it is exceedingly cool!!!
[Linked Image]

Re: How difficult is it to extend a van?
wrcsixeight #667714 August 04th 2014 1:55 am
Joined: Sep 2005
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carpal tunnel
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carpal tunnel
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Originally Posted by wrcsixeight


If the 5 adults and their luggage is the only real reason, then consider towing a modest sized enclosed trailer. They are pretty light and will likely not affect gas mileage that much carrying that weight anyway.


I agree. My old Ford and trailer:
[Linked Image]

Re: How difficult is it to extend a van?
Reed #667715 August 04th 2014 3:23 am
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,107
Likes: 37
Reed Offline OP
Maniac
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Those are some awesome vans! I wouldn't need a trailer that big. It really is about 5-8 suitcases. Maybe I just need to find some smaller seats and a smaller bench seat...


Windows- they're what make a van worth owning!
Re: How difficult is it to extend a van?
Reed #667725 August 04th 2014 11:00 am
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 18,286
Likes: 559
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Posts: 18,286
Likes: 559
Get a Chevy !


SUNSHINE VANS-VAN DIEGO
ADRENALIN BY THE GALLON & CHASIN RACIN
ONE FOR THE DIRT & ONE FOR THE STREETS
'93 CHEVY G30 454 4X4 SPORTVAN EXT 146" WB
'92 CHEVY G30 454 BEAUVILLE EXT 146" WB
Re: How difficult is it to extend a van?
Reed #667729 August 04th 2014 1:16 pm
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,338
vantooner
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vantooner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,338
That white tandem is sweet!


Jason

..."the van may be the toughest-looking vehicle ever created"

[Linked Image]


Flying Cloud

Re: How difficult is it to extend a van?
Reed #667738 August 04th 2014 6:25 pm
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 9,854
Likes: 8
U
Festerus Vannimus
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Festerus Vannimus
U
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If you decide to try this, I recommend a dually conversion too. I can not find it right now, but there is a great video showing the difference between a single wheel and dually extended van in emergency "J" turn. . . very convincing stuff.

I have to say, I think making a van bodied trailer would be easier and MAYBE cheaper than extending your van. It could be a second sleeping area, plus carry the "extra" load too.


My van : 1989 Ford E-150 Econoline, currently named “WOLF-DEN II”


Founder & President of Sooner or Later United Truckers and PROUD TO BE A S.L.U.T. ! !
Re: How difficult is it to extend a van?
Reed #667739 August 04th 2014 6:36 pm
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 267
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enthusiast
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 267
Originally Posted by Reed
Originally Posted by CatFish
An extended van bone yard in south Georgia. There were bunches of these sitting in the weeds.
The state of Georgia sold all their extended Fords and Dodges at auction.

One word: lawsuits


Yep. The 250 and 350 chassis had a much higher center of gravity, especially if it was loaded with 15 passengers. All that weight up high plus bad driving (i.e. speeding and turning to quickly) led to rollovers. I used to drive an extended 79 Dodge 250 van that wasn't a passenger model. It was actually a conversion van the former owner had stripped the interior out of. I had no problems with handling or tipping, but it was a "light" 250 in that it didn't have eight lug rims and the suspension wasn't any higher than a 150.


My understanding (as an "aggressive" driver of a 3/4T extended body Ford) is that most of the roll overs are caused by three main causes.

BAD DRIVING - inexperienced van drivers used to Civics and whatnot AND distracted drivers, 10 passengers all talking to the driver... all this adds up to last second swerves and braking.

OVERLOADING - many inexperienced van drivers think that just because something does fit, doesn't mean it SHOULD fit. (I once had a boss ask me to carry a 4,500 pound hydraulic cylinder - UNSECURED - in my van. I refused for obvious reasons)

UNBUCKLED PASSENGERS - Passengers are cargo. Unsecured, heavy cargo up high is BEGGING for stability issues. Ten "average" adults is about one ton - or one quarter of the vehicle weight. Whip around a corner or swerve to avoid a squirrel without them being buckled up will cause a dramatic shift in the CG and *boom* on the side it goes. (In naval architecture, this is called "Free Surface Effect" and it can capsize ships in port)



2012 Ford E250 Extended Body. Black, of course.

Man, you just can't buy good panelling these days. This new stuff is crap.

[Linked Image]
Re: How difficult is it to extend a van?
Reed #667741 August 04th 2014 6:38 pm
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,107
Likes: 37
Reed Offline OP
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I have dropped the idea of extending the van. I think it would just bee too much work that is beyond me. I may at some future date add a high top (the taller the better), but for now I will focus on getting the interior better organized to the stufiness and clutter is diminished.

I don't have the space for a van trailer. I might dig out the trailer hitch mounted cargo carrier and try and figure out a way to mount it without the annoying rattling.


Windows- they're what make a van worth owning!
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