Gear: May 2012
It’s been a few years since “Gear” reported on the new crop of commercial vans that could haul your gear and your bandmates. Since that time, Nissan and Chrysler got in the game. Here’s our wrap-up of this year’s models:
Nissan NV SERIES
Thumbing its nose at the iconic Ford E-Series and the Chevy Express, Nissan joined the commercial van business last year in the U.S.A. with its NV cargo model, built from the skivvies of Nissan’s Titan pick-up truck.
The rear-drive NV, with its body-on-frame traditional truck design, lists at a competitive $25,000. The NV1500 comes with a robust V-6 engine, while the larger NV2500 HD comes with a V-6 or V-8, and the NV3500 HD offers a V-8 and a raised roofline.
Unlike their gas-saving Asian and European counterparts and though gas prices are well north of $4 as this writing, Nissan is attempting to get in on Ford and Chevy’ market share with a big horsepower van, that churns out a meager 18 MPG around town. If you’re dragging all the band’s gear, including P.A., the Nissan may be the chariot for you. Details at nissanusa.com.
DODGE RAM C/V
Chrysler’s Ram truck division has tweaked an idea that it brought back in 2005: a fuel-saving cargo van, now called the Ram C/V, as a generic looking Dodge Caravan on steroids with solid window panels in the place of the rear glass and a reinforced low-level load area in the rear.
Though some critics have called this van an unimaginative and warmed-over family-mover, we think it makes complete sense considering pricey petrol and Dodge’ heritage as a heavy-duty truck maker.
Powered with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine transformed into 283 horsepower and 260 lb/ft of peak torque, the V-6 is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission and offers about 22 overall city and highway MPG.
The Ram division added a commercial-tuned ride and load-leveling suspension along with a heavy-duty radiator and transmission oil cooler as part of the package. With 144.4 cubic feet of interior storage, and a 1,800 pound cargo payload plus a towing capability of up to 3,600 pounds, this soccer-mom van with its HGH innards, lowest-in-class $22K MSRP, and gas-sipping fuel usage may make the most sense in the age of conservation. Details are at dodgeram.com.
Ford Transit Connect
Ford’s Transit Connect is the most Euro-styled of all the new vans and its design, like the Dodge Ram C/V, stresses fuel-saving ability verses a heavy-duty payload and towing abilities.
The downside of its four-cylinder engine — though more fuel-efficient than its competitors’ (23 mpg overall in city and highway hauling) — means its payload of 1,600 pounds is the lowest in its class. It features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for 136 horsepower and 128 lb/ft of torque. A four-speed automatic tranny sends that power to the front wheels.
Features include include 15-inch steel wheels, blind-spot mirror, rear privacy glass, and air-conditioning. Power Group option adds keyless entry and full power accessories. Like any vehicle, you can trick this Ford out with tons of options. The base price falls into a $24,000 range. And details can be found at ford.com.
News & Notes
It must be spring, because the 4 Amigos are back with their Chicago Guitar Show May 17th and 18th at the DuPage Expo Center in St. Charles. As in previous years, you can buy, sell, and trade at the show. Check their website for details: texasguitarshow.com.
That same weekend, Rebeats is hosting their Chicago Drum Show just down the street at the Kane County Fairgrounds. It’s a drum circle you can be proud of. Details can be found at rebeats.com.
— David Gedge
