I got to say, I'm down like a clown if the alternative is the Nissan. I know the E-Series is beloved, but I can actually see myself in an SMB on the new platform.
I thought it hinged more on not being able to get a cleaner running diesel into the E-series? If you blame the government, I think it would have more to do with reducing emissions and we’ve been on that bandwagon for a long time now.
SMB should be able to come up with a 4x4 package off some sort of cutaway platform, I just think it would cause the price of a fully engineered vehicle to be too high for times. Our economy at this point in time sucks and I wonder if SMB wants to risk trying to design a different high end 4x4 right now. A new vehicle would have to be built a strong frame and have enough HP that equals (or exceeds) the Econoline van. Hopefully they will find a solution that can work in this marketplace. The sprinter line seems to be selling well for them from what I’ve seen.
I honestly think the only reason the E series lasted so long was due to the ambulance industry and now I’m seeing plenty of Sprinters doing the same job. I doubt Ford would gamble on sticking big bucks on something they never had any competition on in the past. Now the Sprinter has entered the scene. Sign of the times? JMO.
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2006 Ford 6.0PSD EB-50/E-PH SMB 4X4 Rock Crawler Trailer
Just curious but I haven't seen any mention of Chevy vans. I'm not a 4 x 4 guy so I'm not familiar with the chassis concerns. Just wondering, enlighten me please. Thanks.
Thanks for the info. I have had the Chevy 3500 since July and have put almost 8000 miles on it already. It's a nice riding vehicle and handles well even on gravel roads. We're from North Texas but like to go to New Mexico a lot. BTW according to my mileage computer I'm averaging 4.8 mpg. Can't complain.