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Realistic expectations for a mid sized truck/van

2K views 25 replies 17 participants last post by  MHElectric 
#1 ·
What can I expect to get out of a 6 cylinder work vehicle? What applications will this work for?
 
#3 · (Edited)
All depends on what amount of weight your trying to move (what type of work your doing).

I run a F550 rated at 21K lbs and runs at 18K lbs and my Chevy 3500 is rated at 9.6K lbs and runs at 8.5K lbs.

If you're doing only fire alarm or security you can get away with a V6, basically any one dimension installation type company (no disrespect to those companies). As soon as you step into the service side of things, time is money, and you can't afford to be running for nickel and dime parts.

That is multiplied when you cross over several classifications, i.e. Residential, Commercial and Industrial. The electrical trade has probably the largest amount of parts and pieces than almost any other trade. Those parts and pieces have to be organized so you can find them when needed and that takes space and ultimately is measured in weight.

When I bought my first van new, I subscribed to "no replacement for displacement" and went with the one ton, 6 liter and 4:10 gears. I figured it may cost more in mpg, but I should save $ because everything wouldn't have to work as hard. 140K on the clock and still original transmission and motor, knock on wood.
 
#9 ·
That's a good question.

When the transmission finally blows in this van I'll let you know. Right now, I'm just sniffing around.

I think I'll get something with a crew cab on the next vehicle. Make life a little easier on me.
 
#12 ·
We race around in f-150's .. Extended cab, With a soft tonneau cover over the box.

2009 with 300,000kms, hauling heavy cable drums. No major repairs to this one. Another rig in the fleet, a 2008 it on its last legs.

The box is great for the cranes/lifting, but it drives me crazy not having more room for miscellaneous items. We travel a lot, especially in winter, so comfort, and 4x4 is a huge bonus. (Currently on a 10 hr drive to our job for this weekend)
 
#21 ·
Very seriously considering trading in my 3 yr old express van for a larger engine one. It is the 4.8 liter 8 cyl. Before it I had a 5.6 liter v8. World of difference in push going up the hills. World.
 
#23 ·
See that's the thing with a smaller engine, when they're new and have these impressive HP, torque, and mpg numbers it doesn't always translate over in to the real world. Once you start towing, approaching the payload maximum capacity, traveling in hilly/mountainous roads, and even getting on the highway with the AC on can greatly diminish the power on a smaller displacement or cylinder engine.
 
#26 ·
I had a v6 astro van when I started out and that baby was a dream. I took out the back seat to use for materials and tools, and there still was plenty of room to haul my family around. Even had a luggage rack for the ladders!

It wasn't until I started hauling a trailer around filled to the gills with stuff that It started having problems.

Nowadays, I've learned to work with a lot less materials than I used to have, and the trailer is long gone. I'd say the heaviest thing I carry around would be the generator. This has been a smart move, and I continue to look for things that just don't need to take up room in the van.

To be honest, I'd like to look at a truck with a crew cab and a contractor work shell on the back. If, I could get away with a v6 engine, I would really be excited with the added fuel savings. It may not be possible, but it's worth looking into.
 
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