Extended Express Vans

[David]

I've been shopping around for a cargo&nbsp;van&nbsp;to replace the class B I have now. I know with Ford &amp; Dodge, their extended version use the same wheel base and just add to the back of the van. This means the turning radius will remain the same as a short van, but you just have the whale tale at the back.<br><br>With Chevy Express vans, they made the wheelbase longer on the&nbsp;extended versions.&nbsp;<br><br>I was curious, if anyone has driven both types and does the extended wheel base make a very big difference in how it drives? Harder to park and so on?<br><br>Would it compare to something like the difference in a standard cab short wheel base truck vs a double cab long bed?

 

[James AKA Lynx]

an orange is an orange. I have driven a lot of different length van's, trucks and other. A few inches really does not matter. A couple of feet, YES!!&nbsp;<br><br>Extended vrs regular is $$ and where you are going to drive. Mostly city - get the regular. I would love the extra length but driving in the city would be more problems and I really do not need the extra space.

 

[Van Tripper]

Been living in a standard Express for 15 months, wish it was an extended, that extra foot and a half could be used. &nbsp;Wanting to close off a couple of feet for "outside" but secure storage(tools, jack etc.). &nbsp;If you are 6'+ extra length could be used for a better fitting bed, front to back. &nbsp;Good luck and happy vanning<img src="/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">

 

[Van-Tramp]

My van is extended without a wheelbase change. The rear bumper does hang waaaay over the rear axle. It does cause some minor issues;<br>1) Weight on rear tires is always a concern<br>2) Rear bumper bottoms out all the time, you just have to plan for it.<br>3) I've beached it on the rear bumper twice<br>4) Towing is a bit more difficult as the hitch is so low to the ground<br>It has not gotten in the way driving around town or parking.<br><br>However, the one benefit of all that extra room out-weighs it all. I've been living in my van since 2011 and I just couldn't (as comfortably) do it in a standard sized van. The extra length at the rear accounts for my entire bed and storage. <br><br>The extended wheel base would be nice, mainly for better weight distribution to the rear tires, but other than that I don't see that it will make a huge difference.

 

[David]

Yea, I've had a extended Ford before with the whale tale as they call them some places. I was just more curious about the actual driving difference with the extended wheelbase on the expresses.&nbsp;<br><br>Well I guess I can say I own an extended wheel base Ford van right now, as my Class B is a 88 Ford. What I've found with the older Fords is their rear axle used a Ford truck axle and it's narrower than the front end of a van, which is why the older Ford vans aren't the most enjoyable to drive. This was compounded with the extended vans making them not so fun on the highways.<br><br>I think Ford solved that issue with the later model vans, but I can't say for sure as I haven't driven one.<br><br>I've owned a few long wheelbase trucks, including a dually and you could defiantly tell the difference in them vs a short wheel base, when it came to parking and so on. I'm just kind of curious if it's the same with the Express vans, as I've heard a few people say they are one of the better driving modern vans.<br><br><br><br>

 

[vagari]

I'm just wondering if a regular length high top would be better or worse then an extended length normal top. Would you rather be able stand and lose 20 inches off the length or have those 20 inches and crawl on knees.

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

The hi top is better.&nbsp; You can stand and there is vertical storage options in the places you wouldn't stand.&nbsp; I think the only reason i would specifically need an extended over a shorter hi top is if i wanted a bathroom/shower....and even then i doubt id choose that option over height.&nbsp; Of course, im 6'4 so...a short person might have a different opinion <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="bbc_img"><br><br><br>My van doesn't have a hi top but i am already finding i wish it did.&nbsp;