FE Adventure Van (CARGO VAN)

[nikolasbarrios]

I am one with a very adventurous personality but have yet to find a vehicle to suit my needs. My vehicle needs include:
• moderate off road 4x4 capability
• RV like interior for sleeping and cooking
• large enough to hold 2 dirt bikes inside
• obviously fuel efficient

Truck?
no, not very FE and no RV like interior

RV?
No, definitely not FE and no real off road capability

Cargo Van?
After much deliberation I have decided to go with a cargo van.
It's the perfect blend of features and will do everything I need it to do. Only part im not completely sold on is the FE. Although 17MPG isn't bad for a vehicle of its size, im shoothing for something more like 30mpg(empty). But where to start??

Vehicle:
Make: unknown
Model: unknown
Year: 2000+
Type: Cargo Van

[razor02097]

A cargo van isn't going to off road any better than an RV will. In fact many smaller RVs are based on a van chassis. Also AWD Vans do not get much better fuel economy than trucks do.

The only thing I can think of that would fit your needs is a pickup with an expedition type camper trailer.... Although expecting 30MPG with your requirement list is IMO asking too much.

[user removed]

Sprinter would get you close but they are costly. Not sure about the AWD.

regards
Mech

[nikolasbarrios]

I would install the 4x4 components from the corresponding truck and would expect the same off road capability with respects to the longer wheel base. Also one of the many reasons why I chose to go with a cargo van is for the ceiling height. As you could imagine this height is unreachable in an expedition. Also it's total (usable) area is far superior to any passenger vehicle simply bc comfort isn't an issue in the back.

[2000neon]

What about one of the ford E250 vans? I know that they can be had with diesel engines and 4x4.

[Sven7]

Sprinters are very badly made; don't get one.

Chevy Astros were offered with AWD.

I've two-tracked a stock Eurovan before and it was just fine. They were offered with "syncro" AWD, camper tops and turbo diesels but all those will up the price. I think it's the VR6 you want to stay away from.

30mpg is pie in the sky for what you're looking for. Like others said, pull a trailer.

[Varn]

Our E150 has not been too bad. It will hold up to 4 dirt bikes. In a technical sense is not a cargo van. It has dark tinted windows and removable seats. The interior is a bit heavier but otherwise pretty comparable. It has the 5.4 and 4 speed automatic. I have not done more than keep the tires hard. and drive it with a very light foot. I have gotten up to 19, check my fuel logs.

I would recommend snow tires if you want good off road traction. It is heavy and has pretty good ground clearance. We have a 5000 pound loaded trailer that we haul sometimes with it and get 12-13mpg.

[Shortie771]

Instead of telling the OP that his goal is impossible, how about we suggest some ideas so that he may reach his goal. If not reach his goal of 30mpg at least he will be getting better than the stock 16-18 mpg of a van. Even if you only get up to 20mpg in the thing that is still better than stock. from 18 to 20 on a vehicle that drives 20k miles a year at a gas price of 3.50/gallon that is still a savings of nearly $400/year. Its no VX or Prius but its a start and if he has his mind set on a van, there may be no changing that.


With that said... We will need to get a baseline of what vehicle you will be going with and what engine/transmission will be in it.

Have you given any thought to any aero mods?

[tjts1]

Ram Promaster, 3.0L 4cyl diesel, front wheel drive, 6 speed automated manual.

[Shortie771]

Personally I would have to put my vote to a Dodge Astro or (as much as I dislike Fords) a Ford Aerostar.

"the Chevy Astro and the Ford Aerostar. Although no longer built, they are commonplace, cheaper to buy and roomy inside. They also get decent gas mileage. Some 'Vandwellers' forum posters have been getting 25 -26 MPG (highway) with their Astro's and I've been getting 23-24 MPG (highway) with my Aerostar."

The Urban Vandweller: Fuel Economy Part Four: Vehicle Choice


These models also have plenty room for improvement when it comes to MPG and aero mods.