This is good to hear. It is long overdue and gives consumers more safe
choices too.  Ford make a good sturdy van in heavier duty model. I
just do not like that long tail on the extended ones
-----------------
The SnoMan
www.thesnoman.com

SnoMan Wrote:

Thanks for the head's up on that issue, but it looks to me like they
moved the axle back on the 2006 Fords also.  I guesstimate the back side
of the rear tire is about 18" from the rear bumper.  2 feet at the very
most but I doubt that much.  I've seen those other vans around town that
have the long tail, even looks like the back end of the body is pasted
on on some of them.  This van doesn't have that tail at all.

Also thanks to those of you that offered the gas mileage estimations.
Confirmed my suspicions, and that is the one thing that is holding me
back.  I'd like a bit more towing capacity than the 4.3GM 1/2 ton I own
now, but I don't really need a one ton hauling capacity.  And I sure
don't need all those bench seats!  The van just appealed to me because
it is a used 2006 with plenty of warranty miles left on it.

Thanks again for your replies.

Yes maybe low teens on highway and a 5.4 is not a big engine for that
boat. If you plan to be loaded a lot you should get a V10. MPG might
be a bit less in town but at least it will be able to get out of its
own way better. One more thing and do not take this wrong. The 12
passanger Ford vans are not very stable or forgiveng with loaded heavy
because of the momentum of the long over hang in rear as a lot of them
have lost control with them in sudden manuveres when loaded. You would
do well to consider a GM extended van (this is not a Ford/GM thing
just the physics involved here) because GM wisely moved the axle back
with extension and it makes it a lot more stable loaded with the trade
off of a slightly increased turning radius. They also tow better for
same reason because trailer load in closer to axle. I have a freind
that has towed a 9K work trailer with a GM extended van for several
years and he has had no stabilty issues at all and runs a high tongue
weight and no equailizing hitch either.  
-----------------
The SnoMan
www.thesnoman.com

If you're lucky, you might hit double digits.
I believe the tests I read were something like 9 city/11 hwy.

Looking at a used 2006 350 at the local Ford dealer.  It was a lease
program vehicle with 22,000 miles.  It's got a big V8, 5.4 or 5.8 litre
something like that.  4 speed auto with overdrive.  The salesman
couldn't give me an accurate mileage rating for the vehicle.  He said it
wasn't required for all vehicles.  I imagine he didn't want to scare me
off!
Does anyone have any idea what the highway mileage would be for this
vehicle?