Here is a different question. I am thinking of buying a off-lease light duty rental truck such as a Penske with a roll-up rear door and a sixteen foot box. They are usually built of Ford or Chevy cutaway vans. Fords usually have V10 motors and Chevy usually have the 6.0 motors. Can we see the question coming now? Which is best buy? Mileage will vary but most are over 100,000 miles.
Which have easier motors to work on? Which have less upkeep costs for six wheel trucks? My end use will be light weight camper conversion and to some extent the MPG is a little concern.
The GM 6.0L cutaway engine & transmission is very dependable. I'm sure the Ford is too. I think they are very similar in terms of maintenance. Suspension will be a little different. Best thing to do is just test drive each.
I'm not sure about your application though. When you say "light weight camper ", my first thought isn't a cube van.
@mountainmanjoe
The cube van volume and "box" shape make it easier than regular vans. Closer to a motorhome shape. l know the camper will not be lightweight. The cube van is what Penske calls a lightweight truck.
it's going to be a tremendous amount of work to make it anything camper like. It's got a very high floor and you can only enter through the rear. It is extremely heavy and a pig on fuel. Think about it.
@mountainmanjoe
The wall between the cab and cube can have access door. The rear entry is OK. Not much more than any class C motorhome.
The cube van is one choice. The other choice is a cargo trailer.
On long trips I would trailer the car so easier on gas once parked. If I go the cargo trailer I have the gas hog to pull it and no gas savings.
Besides, the cube van can be fixed so the box can still be used to haul with.
I have put over 300,000 miles on the Ford V10 motors and never had any major issues with them. The only issue I had was when the coil packs went bad, but replaced them and it has been fine ever since. Another thing is to check the oil before long hulls. The PCV system is a little weird from the factory and will consume a lot of the oil vapor making it seem like oil is getting past the rings. It is usually 1 quart low every 5000 mi.
Between them, get the one that has Ford engine.
@yaser
Fords do seem to have the V10 w/ 305HP. The Chevy's have 6.0 with 280HP. Why do you prefer the Ford? Better for some reason? Do V10 motors have plug issues like other motors?
Ford quality is much higher than GMs.
Thanks
Just heard on TV about the Chevy airbag problem. Not sure who Ford airbags are made by.
@jimz
Dozens of manufacturers used the defective inflators. Pretty much all the major ones, including Ford.
Never have likes airbags.
Which model is your Ford? Penske shows some F350 and F450. I guess if you have seen one V10 you have seen them all. As with everything good maintenance counts.
Ford V10s as do most Ford gasoline engines suffer from cracked exhaust manifolds.
Penske and UHaul both have good preventative maintenance programs.
I like the idea of using a cutaway van with a cube body for a tiny home. Also the cab and chassis with a cargo box that has the storage over the cab (Mom's attic) Both can be very stealthy. I think they are a better choice than any factory build motorhome. No leaky roof ! Wiring, insulation, plumbing can all be simple...a far cry from the over-engineered factory systems. Lots of high R value insulation throughout, especially in the floor, will pay for itself.
Have an electrician help with the wiring. Proper household wire and circuit breakers...NOT extension cords !
Passive and power vents are essential to keep any moisture from accumulating...mold is a common issue with "campers".
Some over the road semi trailers and cargo boxes use translucent roofs instead of aluminum. They let in lots of light, problem is...roof insulation is a must, the more the better. Slick idea is to put vents high in the side walls and hole saw some openings...cover and seal the openings with translucent panels...much better than skylights, especially when the roof gets snow covered.
@heyinway
Thanks!
Most cutaways have a fifteen/sixteen foot boxes. A extra foot would be gooder. But that is what it is.
I will find one with a metal roof and hopefully I can find a way to make the roof a "walk-on" or do the roof over for the solar panels.
The openings for vents or other "necessities" will be done to sidewalls. Trying to keep roof one piece. Wiring will be most simple with mostly 12V. 110V will be to charge batteries when needed.
The interior will be el-cheapo and removable. A folding cot for beds. A retired mechanics toolbox for storage. A port-a-poti for toilet and a simple tub for a shower.
The hardest part for us will be the insulation, I think.
We live in Florida. Do they still make snow? LOL!