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Originally Posted by redpoint5
What's the difference in rated fuel economy?
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There is no rated fuel economy for vehicles over 8500 lb GVWR so all I have to go on is various forum posts from different websites. I’ve seen claims anywhere from 6 mpg to 18 mpg for ambulances in general. As I said in the OP - I’m seeing very similar numbers claimed for medium duty vs lighter duty vehicle.
I’d be happy with 15 mpg at 60 to 65 mph. That is more for personal satisfaction than economics. At 20K miles a year and $3.50 a gallon the difference between 15 mpg and 10 mpg is $2333 per year or $195 a month.
Quote:
Originally Posted by samwichse
If the medium duty has a passthrough cab, then there's no comparison. They're both a wreck, aerodynamically, but a nicely curved deflector looks easier on the medium duty cab. Also less side overhang.
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They are a wreck but much better than this:
Some friends of ours have an RV like this with the Ford V10 and get 6 mpg at 60 mph
Quote:
Originally Posted by redpoint5
I mean, it's the squared off rear-end that's the biggest problem; and probably not easily solvable while maintaining the ease of access.
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The shipping industry has that covered. One of the benefits of going with a square vehicle instead of something curved like a van.
The back doors won’t be used to get in and out of the vehicle. Ambulances have a side access door on the right side. I plan to have a bed across the back of the vehicle with a “garage” storage below.
I jumped in a M2 106 at lunch and the sightlines are night and day different compared to a full-size truck. Nice roomy cab too. That is another check in favor of a Medium Duty.