New here and looking for help!

Indiana · Aug 7, 2016

Hello Vandwellers! This is my first post here and I hope that I can get some good advice/tips/help/feedback here. I decided awhile back that I wanted to go on a fifty state tour of the United States, all in one go. This was shortly followed by the decision to live in a van. I had recently decided on a pristine 2004 Ford E-250. Before I made the purchase, my buddy suggested that I make fuel efficiency a higher priority. The Ford E-250 gets 20 mpg on a super duper amazing downhill all the way kinda day. Usually it gets closer to 17-18 mpg. Money will be tight and I'd rather not be throwing all my money into my gas tank. The Ford Transit Connect, on the other hand, gets 25 mpg. But here's the rub. **I'm 6'3"** and things would be cramped living in that van. I'd like to be semi comfortable in the car I would be living in for a year or more. So should I value the fuel efficiency over the space? Is there a van I'm unaware that gets great gas mileage? Anyone want to send my infinity gas cards?

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I greatly appreciate any comments I receive on this!

akrvbob · Aug 8, 2016

I bet if you took out the passenger seat you could have as long a bed as you want and lots more storage area. I think that's what I'd do.
Bob

Every Road Leads Home · Aug 8, 2016

Since you already have the E250 and you think you'd be more comfortable in the larger space that's what I'd stick with. If you did 25k miles of driving to cover all 50 states at $2.25 a gallon for gas it's only about $1000 dollar difference between one vehicle getting 17mpg and the other 25mpg.

25,000 miles divided by 17mpg = 1470 gallons of gas x $2.25 gallon = $3307.50

25,000 miles divided by 25mpg = 1000 gallons of gas x $2.25 gallon = $2250.00

Is saving $1000 on gas over a year worth sacrificing comfort? Will you be able to sell the van and get into a transit for the same money? If the transit costs more than a $1000 more you didn't save any money.

Matt

cyndi · Aug 8, 2016

Welcome to the CRVL forums, Indiana! I'd choose comfort over mileage. This is your home, not just a roadtrip. If you travel like many of us, you'll be staying in one place as long as possible, whenever possible. That's what will save you money on gas. Traveling in that manner will give you a chance to really explore and get to know an area. You'll also save money!

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

Indiana · Aug 8, 2016

Every Road Leads Home said:
Since you already have the E250 and you think you'd be more comfortable in the larger space that's what I'd stick with.

Thanks for your reply. I haven't yet purchased the van, but after your purchase, I'll definitely be going with the spacious option. Thanks again for taking the time to do math and reply!