Q: Since the vehicle is made in USA, how do I get the van?A: You can pick it up at the factory, or have it shipped. Shipping is not as expensive as you might think. Q: Can I get a Westy conversion on other platforms?Yes. Check with us at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Other platforms are available including:
Toyota Siena
Chevy/GM Astro/Safari
Dodge Caravan
Chevy/GM full-size vans Q: What engine should I get?The various E-chassis vans come with the stock Triton engines - a 4.6L V8, a 5.4L V8, I believe the V10, and the new 6.0L diesel. There is also a V6, but it's not really an option. It looks like the 4.2L V6 is no longer available starting with the 2004 model year anyway.
The 4.6L V8 should be adequate for most common uses, unless you tow a trailer or live and travel in the mountains. The 5.4L V8 is a truly powerful engine; it rockets mine to merging speed as quickly as anything I've ever owned. It also devours gas at a prodigious rate; I get about 15-16MPG in the city and about 14MPG on the highway (go figure, but those are real numbers).
I believe, and you should check this, that the 5.4L comes stock with both a transmission and steering coolers. The 4.6L does not. If you opt for the 4.6, make sure the chassis has the Class III towing package; this provides the additional cooling your Westy will need.
The diesel is another option; if you go that route, the diesel provides better fuel economy at the cost of greater initial cost.
The V10 is available; personally, if I need that much power, I'd go for the diesel. I think both the V10 and the diesel require the E250 or E350 chassis. Q: What's the basic Westy platform?A: The basic platform is a Ford Econoline van, but the Westy is available on all vans. Q: How many people can the Westy sleep?A: The Westy can sleep two people in the loft and two people in the bench bed, which is the largest in the industry. Q: What are the physical dimensions of a Westy?A: The overall height from ground level to roof top level in the down position is 6'9". The length is about 17'. The Westy weighs in at 5400 pounds empty. Q: Where can I see a GTRV Westy?A: Start with the photos on our website. To view a GTRV Westy, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to arrange to see one in person. Q: Where do they make GTRV Westys?A: The GTRV Westy factories are located in the Vancouver, BC for Canadian customers and Sebastopol, CA. for US customers. Q: How are they built?A: We primarily convert Ford Van chassis using rigorous quality control and meticulous attention to detail by master conversion experts. That's why we say, "THE ONLY VEHICLE YOU EVER REALLY NEED. WHEREVER YOU GO, YOU'RE ALWAYS HOME!" Q: What is a GTRV Westy?A: The GTRV Westy is a drivable, garageable pop-top camper van. Q: What's the difference between the E150, E157, E250, and E350?A: Please check with the factory on the latest options and specifications. The E150, and it's Canadian counterpart, the E157, are essentially the same; one is USA made and the other is Canadian made. The E250 and E350 are heavier-duty versions of the same basic vehicle.
An 150 will drive most like car. It has about 1,200 pounds of passenger and cargo carrying capacity after the conversion. The 150 has a softer, more car-like ride.
The 250 and especially the 350 are really work trucks, with greater load capacity and towing capacity. The 250 and 350 have heavier-duty suspensions, axles, and brakes.
The front brakes on the pre-2004 150 require relatively frequent replacement. Ford addressed this in 2004 by adding 4 wheel disc brakes that are about the same size as the 250 and 350. The E250 and E350 brakes are larger and heavier duty. In many cases, the transmission on the E250 and E350 is heavier duty as well.
The downside, of course, is weight. The E250 weighs about 500 pounds more than the E150; the E350 even more. That means lower fuel mileage, and slower acceleration, unless of course, you get a bigger engine, which in turn weighs more. So it's a judgement call - the 150, especially if loaded down with full tanks, 4 adults, and gear - will be at the limit of its load carrying capacity. The 250 and 350 won't. But lightly loaded, the 150 will ride as nicely as most passenger cars while the 250 and 350 will have a stiffer ride.
If you get the E150, you have to be careful with what you carry. If you think you will want to carry lots of stuff, or tow a trailer, we recommend opting for the 250 or 350 with the 5.4 or (even better) a larger engine. If you will just travel with minimal gear, the 150 with the 4.6 engine will likely meet your needs.
For a great summary of the various E chassis vans, visit http://www.ford-trucks.com/specs/ and follow the links to your E-series model year.
|
Frequently Asked Questions
|
|
|