hangtownmatt
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- Feb 16, 2017
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Today it was time to leave the keyboard and get some real hands-on experience with vans. I’ve never owned one. Never driven one. And, I don’t know anybody who has owned, driven or even has an opinion except they are creepy. So today I headed out to the dealerships. Here are my observations:
Chevy Express 2500 Cargo Regular wheelbase; 4.8 V8; windows on rear doors only.
- Handled way better than I thought it would.
- Much quieter than I thought it would be. Interior noise was not an issue at all.
- Power was fine but mushy. Certainly not break-neck and this was an empty cargo van. This coming from a guy who currently drives a 4-cyl Honda Accord stick shift.
- Mirrors were good. The lack of side windows was not an issue although backing up could be a problem.
- On my knees in the cargo area my head almost touches the ceiling beams.
Chevy Express 2500 Passenger Regular wheelbase; 6.0 V8; windows all around.
Same observations as Express cargo except:
- Difference in power between the 6.0 passenger and the empty 4.8 cargo was NOT significant.
- Windows 360 are nice. Too bad only two center (opposite sides) windows open maybe an inch. Hardly enough. And vertically at that which will let rain in. It looks like functional windows can only be had in the aftermarket.
- This passenger van had the G80 locking differential, dual isolated batteries and 220 amp alternator. Features I would like to have but rarely see offered on cargo versions with the exception of the G80 on top of the line models. Makes zero sense to me. For $325 it should be spec’d on every vehicle as far as I’m concerned. Does anybody know about that second (auxiliary) battery? I’d expect it to be located under the hood on the driver’s side but what’s there does not look like a battery, although the small plastic case did have a battery symbol. I can’t find any info, specs or internet pictures and the salesman was absolutely no help.
Nissan 2500, Standard Height Roof, V6, windows on rear doors only.
- Handled way better than I thought it would.
- Much quieter than I thought it would be. Interior noise was not an issue at all.
- Under powered. The V6 was too small for this “empty” cargo van. Downshifted at the slightest movement of gas pedal.
- Mirrors were good. The lack of side windows was not an issue although backing up could be a problem.
- On my knees, the cargo area seemed taller than the Express.
- Nissan's cargo area (measured from bulkhead) is 4” longer than RWB Express.
- Nissan's cargo area is 2” narrower (overall) than Express but 1.5” wider between wheel wells than Express.
- Cab seemed roomier than Express.
- Nissan's interior cargo wall panels are crap. Slightly better than cardboard. Will make great templates though.
Nissan 2500, High-Top, V6, No windows.
Same observations as low-top cargo except:
- The high-top made no difference. It would be easy to forget it was there. Light winds today. Handled much better than expected.
- Some wind noise from somewhere but overall very quiet.
- The lack of any windows was not an issue. Mirrors are good. Backing up definitely a problem.
- Standing, I had a couple inches between my head and the ceiling beams.
- Personally, I think these Nissan's require the V8 and my understanding is it’s a guzzler.
Ford Transit, High Top, Extended Wheelbase, 3.7 naturally aspirated V6, windows on rear doors only.
- Handled well although I did clip a curb during one right hand turn (extended wheelbase :>)
- Power seemed good. Better than the Nissan (V6) but not as good as the Chevy’s.
- Shifted well and did not hunt for gears like the Nissan (V6)
- Loudest interior noise of all vehicles.
- Rear view camera with rear view mirror display. Very nice!
- I was surprised how much engine was exposed under the hood in comparison to the Chevy Express. This should help maintenance wise.
Overall, today was a pretty good experience. The salesmen were not high pressure and I can only hope they continue to leave me alone now that they have a copy of my driver’s license.
The Chevy Express is still my number one choice. I guess I’m just old school. But before I pull the trigger, I need to test drive a 1-ton and an extended. I’m also still undecided on windows and engines. So maybe, just maybe, in the meantime, a used van to my liking will appear. However, I just can’t bring myself to purchase one of the readily available previous rentals. Karma? Maybe?
I know this isn't much of a spec comparison and only my gut feel, but I hope it helps someone now or down thew road.
Please feel free to offer your opinions,
Matt
Chevy Express 2500 Cargo Regular wheelbase; 4.8 V8; windows on rear doors only.
- Handled way better than I thought it would.
- Much quieter than I thought it would be. Interior noise was not an issue at all.
- Power was fine but mushy. Certainly not break-neck and this was an empty cargo van. This coming from a guy who currently drives a 4-cyl Honda Accord stick shift.
- Mirrors were good. The lack of side windows was not an issue although backing up could be a problem.
- On my knees in the cargo area my head almost touches the ceiling beams.
Chevy Express 2500 Passenger Regular wheelbase; 6.0 V8; windows all around.
Same observations as Express cargo except:
- Difference in power between the 6.0 passenger and the empty 4.8 cargo was NOT significant.
- Windows 360 are nice. Too bad only two center (opposite sides) windows open maybe an inch. Hardly enough. And vertically at that which will let rain in. It looks like functional windows can only be had in the aftermarket.
- This passenger van had the G80 locking differential, dual isolated batteries and 220 amp alternator. Features I would like to have but rarely see offered on cargo versions with the exception of the G80 on top of the line models. Makes zero sense to me. For $325 it should be spec’d on every vehicle as far as I’m concerned. Does anybody know about that second (auxiliary) battery? I’d expect it to be located under the hood on the driver’s side but what’s there does not look like a battery, although the small plastic case did have a battery symbol. I can’t find any info, specs or internet pictures and the salesman was absolutely no help.
Nissan 2500, Standard Height Roof, V6, windows on rear doors only.
- Handled way better than I thought it would.
- Much quieter than I thought it would be. Interior noise was not an issue at all.
- Under powered. The V6 was too small for this “empty” cargo van. Downshifted at the slightest movement of gas pedal.
- Mirrors were good. The lack of side windows was not an issue although backing up could be a problem.
- On my knees, the cargo area seemed taller than the Express.
- Nissan's cargo area (measured from bulkhead) is 4” longer than RWB Express.
- Nissan's cargo area is 2” narrower (overall) than Express but 1.5” wider between wheel wells than Express.
- Cab seemed roomier than Express.
- Nissan's interior cargo wall panels are crap. Slightly better than cardboard. Will make great templates though.
Nissan 2500, High-Top, V6, No windows.
Same observations as low-top cargo except:
- The high-top made no difference. It would be easy to forget it was there. Light winds today. Handled much better than expected.
- Some wind noise from somewhere but overall very quiet.
- The lack of any windows was not an issue. Mirrors are good. Backing up definitely a problem.
- Standing, I had a couple inches between my head and the ceiling beams.
- Personally, I think these Nissan's require the V8 and my understanding is it’s a guzzler.
Ford Transit, High Top, Extended Wheelbase, 3.7 naturally aspirated V6, windows on rear doors only.
- Handled well although I did clip a curb during one right hand turn (extended wheelbase :>)
- Power seemed good. Better than the Nissan (V6) but not as good as the Chevy’s.
- Shifted well and did not hunt for gears like the Nissan (V6)
- Loudest interior noise of all vehicles.
- Rear view camera with rear view mirror display. Very nice!
- I was surprised how much engine was exposed under the hood in comparison to the Chevy Express. This should help maintenance wise.
Overall, today was a pretty good experience. The salesmen were not high pressure and I can only hope they continue to leave me alone now that they have a copy of my driver’s license.
The Chevy Express is still my number one choice. I guess I’m just old school. But before I pull the trigger, I need to test drive a 1-ton and an extended. I’m also still undecided on windows and engines. So maybe, just maybe, in the meantime, a used van to my liking will appear. However, I just can’t bring myself to purchase one of the readily available previous rentals. Karma? Maybe?
I know this isn't much of a spec comparison and only my gut feel, but I hope it helps someone now or down thew road.
Please feel free to offer your opinions,
Matt
