Aboutthewesty
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====What's the basic Westy platform?* ====
The basic platform is a Ford Econoline van.
====What's the difference between the E150, E157, E250, and E350? Which one should I get?* ====
Please check with the factory on the latest options. There is no real difference between the E150 and the E157; one is US made and the other is Canadian made but they are the same for all practical purposes. The E250 and E350 are heavier-duty versions of the same basic vehicle.
An E150 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 E250 and E350 have heavier-duty suspensions, axles, and brakes. The front brakes on the E150 require relatively frequent replacement; mine were replaced and the rotors turned after 30,000 miles. The E250 and E350 brakes are larger, heavier duty. I believe that the transmission on the E250 and E350s is heavier duty as well. It looks like Ford may have addressed the brakes in the E150 starting with the 2004 model - the E150 has 4 wheel disc brakes that are about the same size as the 250 and 350.
The downside, of course, is weight. The E250 weighs about 500 pounds more than the E150; the E350 even more. That means worse fuel mileage, and slower acceleration, unless of course, you get a bigger engine, which in turn weighs more. That's why you see so many E250 conversions getting 10-12 MPG rather than the Westy's 14-18 MPG.
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, I'd opt for the 250 or 350 with the 5.4 engine. If you will just travel with minimal gear, get the 150 with the 4.6 engine.
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.
====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.
====Can I get a Westy conversion on other platforms?* ====
Yes. Check with Mike at http://www.gtrv.com . Other platforms are available; there's a Chevy Astro and a Dodge Caravan driving around that have been converted, as well as Chevy full-size vans.
====Since the vehicle is made in Canada, how do I get the van?* ====
You can pick it up at the factory, or have it shipped. Shipping is not as expensive as you might think.
====Why should I go to Canada when I can buy SOB (some other brand) at a dealer?* ====
You can:
- meet the owner and craftsman who make the Westy with skill and passion.
- receive hands on training to operate all the systems.
- receive adjustments to any systems if needed after an overnight in a nearby campground.
- have the excuse to vacation in the NW and Canadian Rockies.
====What options should I get* ====
Here's some thoughts on options: WhatOptionsShouldIGet
====What's GTRV's web page?* ====
Try here: http://www.gtrv.com/
====Why buy a Westy as opposed to some other brand?* ====
This is a hotly debated topic. There are 3 major alternatives: Westy, Sportsmobile, and Traverse. There is also a Safari Condo by Parnado (I think) that is built on a similar pop-top principle. From what I understand, VW is withdrawing its van from the US market, so no more real Westfalia conversions (http://www.vw.com/search_eurovan.htm), and now no more Rialtas either. For some boiled down discussion group wisdom, click here: WhyBuyAWesty.
As to why you should buy an RV on a standard platform like the Econoline, visit the Rialta forum at http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Rialta/ - e.g. http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Rialta/message/27660 - and see just how much trouble people have finding dealers to work on those. While the Rialta is a wonderful RV, it has very limited support and few know how to work on it. Just about any truck stop knows how to work on a Ford chassis.
====Where can I see a Westy in person?* ====
Check the member database on the GTRV Westy Owners Forum to see if there is a Westy near you, then email the owner and ask if they can show you theirs. http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/gtrvwesty/database
Here's a map of known Westy owners: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/gtrvwesty/files/ and click on "westy owners map".
====Can I get a conversion done on my van?* ====
Please contact mailto:sales@gtrv.com.
====Where can I find a used GTRV?* ====
Used vans are really hard to come by. Owners generally really like them and won't part with them for anything - unless it's a newer version of the same thing==== Occassionally, there is a used demo for sale. Folks who are really interested in this option and are willing to wait and travel to see one, are welcome to email mailto:sales@gtrv.com and request that we put their name on the list. Also watch the Westy Yahoo Group [1]; occaisonally a used Westy will come along. ====
====Is there a 4WD option?* ====
Yes. The factory can put a 4WD option on the E-250 or E-350 Ford chassis; please contact mailto:sales@gtrv.com for details.
====Do I have to go through a dealer to purchase a unit?* ====
No, you can by direct. Please call 1-888-332-9602 or email mailto:sales@gtrv.com for more information.
====Any specs, on est. gas milage?* ====
Yes. Generally, the 4.6 will traditionally give 16 to 18 mpg; the 5.4 gets 14 to 16.
====What is the height of the Westy?* ====
The overall height from ground level to roof top level in the down position is 6'9".
====What does the Westy weigh?* ====
The Westy weighs in at 5400 pounds empty.
====What is the stand up headroom inside the side doors of the Westy?* ====
With the top up, the stand up height in the Westy is 6'5".
====How much can I tow behind the Westy?* ====
Refer to the Ford Owner's manual. Typicaly, with a 4.6 V8 engine, you can tow 5,000 pounds. The 5.4V8 will pull 6,000 pounds. With the V-10 and the diesel - a lot more==== Your trailer will have to be provided with the appropriate brakes as required by your state laws. ====
====How many people can the Westy sleep?* ====
The Westy can sleep two people in the loft and two people in the bench bed, which is the largest in the industry.
====What colors are available for the Westy?* ====
Mostly white, but you can special order it in any standard Ford van colors.
====What about the interior color options?* ====
The interior comes in blue, teal or grey==== ====
====Does the Westy only come in the 17 foot van?* ====
Please contact the factory at 1-888-332-9602 or email mailto:sales@gtrv.com for platforms other than the standard Econoline chassis.
====Can I get an awning for the Westy?* ====
Yes==== They are available for around $650. Fiamma makes the best awning around. ====
====Is there a generator option that comes with the Westy?* ====
Yes, although the factory doesn't recommend it. They recommend that you buy a portable generator and carry it with you when you are going to use it.
