[cutndry]

HighRoof,LW, EL Noises

I've been driving the different size vans to try to narrow down a size I will by.

Drove a 350 HR,LW,EL cargo empty, no wall panelling, rubber floor today. There was lots of vibrating noise and almost like the sucking effect, you get from one rear window open in a sedan above 30-35mph. It was much better with windows down. Freeway speeds 70mph the van felt vague and prone to wind movement on a non windy day, and not being passed by trucks or other cars.

Driving a 250 HR,LW Regular length I did not experience any of the vibrations and "suction effect" of the EL. I did not have a chance to drive this one at freeway speeds.

Did anyone else have this experience with the EL?

 

[sotagear]

I drove a 350 high roof extended van with the diesel engine last week. It seemed pretty solid on the freeway, but it was a calm day. Yes it made a few strange noises coming out of the back, but didn't really look into it since it was a 15 minute test drive. This one was a dually so if the one you drove wasn't, that would make a big difference with the handling. Long tall vans with dual wheels are much more confident on the highway, and especially in the wind. If you can afford a dually I highly recommend it if you are going for this type of configuration.

 

[cutndry]

The one I drove was SRW. I think I'll be going with LWB reg. body. I will try to drive some more vans before I buy.

 

[Hubcappizza]

350 hd HR EXT

bought an 350 Hd SRW HR EXT
have driven it empty 100 plus miles as I wait for shelving to arrive
on the highway. Seems to go pretty good no real issues with feelling solid planted or any strange sounds have yet to drive on a really windy day

 

[Hubcappizza]

Ok well this week I got to drive this thing in a 25 MPH head and cross wind
as it was comparable to my e350 12 ft box cutaway it swayed it swerved but
the handling and steering response is so much better, it was certainly less fatiguing.
I installed a steering stabilizer in the 07 e350 box and it improved things remarkably
perhaps one on the transit would also provide some added stability
all things said really happy with the large van on the highway wind or not

 

[JP4]

I've driven my 250 high roof ext serval times in winds gusting over 60mph, and while it kept my attention and was a bit of work, I was never blown out of my lane. I think with the addition of a rear sway bar, it will be even better.
JP

 

[orton]

I've driven my 250 high roof ext serval times in winds gusting over 60mph, and while it kept my attention and was a bit of work, I was never blown out of my lane. I think with the addition of a rear sway bar, it will be even better.
JP

The LWB passenger van has a rear sway bar. It is mounted on the back of the bottom of the rear shock mounts. The actuating rod top mounting holes are in my LWB van that does not have a rear bar. Suspect the addition of a rear bar is as simple as buying the parts from Ford and bolting it on. I also communicated with Roadmaster and they will offer a rear bar.

So far in the 1000 miles I have driven the van mostly on twisty 2 lane roads, I do not see the need for a rear bar. I have not driven it in high winds so that may be different.

 

[Barrabler]

I have not been able to find one to test drive but wanted a high roof long wheel base .
Did you happen to drive this model . Don't want to order until I can get an answer or test drive it .
Thanks
Rob

 

[orton]

I have not been able to find one to test drive but wanted a high roof long wheel base .
Did you happen to drive this model . Don't want to order until I can get an answer or test drive it .
Thanks
Rob

I bought a high roof long wheelbase and have put on 1000 miles. Very satisfied with it so far. Much better vehicle than my sold 08 Sprinter.

 

[PeterR]

I have not been able to find one to test drive but wanted a high roof long wheel base .
Did you happen to drive this model . Don't want to order until I can get an answer or test drive it .
Thanks
Rob

Rob, have you used this tool to find nearby Transits? You can pick a 300 mile radius around your zip code.

Locate a Dealer Search Results | Ford.com

I have had good results using a Google search also, as long as you are specific for the vehicle you seek.