So you’re considering making the leap into van life for a season. You might be wondering what V-type engine size will work best in your vehicle. Which one will best suit your lifestyle? Keep reading to find out the answer!
The meaning of the ‘V’ in engines
The ‘V’ in the V6 and V8 engine stands for ‘Vee,’ meaning that the engine has a 90-degree angle between each cylinder. Other letters used in engine design are as follows:
- I- 3-cylinder engines
- 4- 4-cylinder engines
- S- 6-cylinder engines
- W- 8-cylinder engines
- H, J, K, etc.- 10-, 12-, or higher cylinders (Ferrari and Lamborghini).
General specifications of a V6 vs. a V8
Overall, both engines are very similar in size, weight, and power. While there are slight differences in each engine (including valve angles and firing intervals), the advantages of each largely depend on how you intend to use your van. For example, if you want to travel cross-country with a van or small trailer attached, you may need more power than the V6 provides. As long as your van is only used locally, and if you use the fifth wheel or tow vehicle for long-distance travels, the V6 will be able to fulfill your needs.
The Cost
The V6 is slightly lighter and less expensive than a V8. Since it is lighter, it will consume less fuel while maintaining equal or better horsepower. The six cylinders produce about the same power as a V8 with less horsepower. That means that you can expect less energy when using the V6 engine.
Note: On a later model, you can find the 2016-2017 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van, the V6 engine in non-transit versions of the vehicle.
The Problems People Have with The V6 Engine and Why They are Wrong
There are a few things that people have been wrong about when choosing between the V6 and V8. One is the idea that all V8 vehicles have more power than an equivalently sized V6. That is simply untrue.
First, the V6 can be a larger model than the V8 and will thus have more torque to ensure that it can push more weight. While this might be a disadvantage for some people who intend to use their van for long-distance racing (where high horsepower is essential), this characteristic can be very beneficial for people who intend to use their van in an urban or suburban environment.
Another problem is the notion that the V6 will not have the power to pull a trailer. Despite this, it’s worth mentioning that many vehicles explicitly designed for van life don’t require much amp hours pulling power. If you’re looking for a van pull a small camper trailer, boat, or utility trailer, then you can get away with either a V6 or V8 engine just fine.
The Best Van Engine
So which engine options will be best for your van? There are a few points you should consider before making your decision:
Engine Size
It is an essential factor, but only to a point. As long as the engine is appropriate for the vehicle’s size, it will be satisfactory. However, if you’re planning to take the van on long-distance adventures or use it as a tow vehicle (usually an RV), then you’ll need more horsepower than a V6 engine can provide.
Power
It is where the V6 falls short. It won’t have the power of a V8, which means you’ll need to tow with a camper or boat and take longer trips. However, they have an advantage: you can get them at a lower cost because they are older models. Generally, it is more affordable to modify V6 engines than a new V8 engine.
Fuel Economy
It is a difficult one to determine. Weight and torque are critical, but fuel economy is the most vital factor in choosing an engine. The V6 and V8 engines won’t be as fuel-efficient as other newer models. Most models with the V6 will have an overall average of about 20 miles per gallon. If you’re going for maximum fuel efficiency, you may need a newer model with options available for hybrid, diesel engines, or electric motors.
The Major Areas Where the V6 Falls Short
Even though the V6 has a few advantages, there are some things you should know about this engine.
The first is that it has less power than a V8. It means that towing will be more demanding, and long-distance trips will take more energy from the engine. If you’re planning to go on long-distance journeys, you should rent a car or cargo van. You’ll need the extra power provided by the V8, and it will be well worth it for traveling.
The second is that the V6 consumes more fuel than other engines. It isn’t a lot more, but if fuel economy is your top priority, you should consider getting an engine with an electric motor instead. Most modern vehicles will have most of their features and conveniences, including air conditioning, heating, window lifts, and rear hatch.
The third is that it has the lowest torque. Torque isn’t a problem, though it does require you to use more fuel when driving up terrains or heavy loads. The engine won’t struggle with power when you encounter any bumps in the road on your way to work or home. It will be smooth and consistent, similar to the feel of an automatic transmission.
The V8 Model
The V8 is an engine that has higher torque and power than the V6. It is a standard engine used in most trucks and SUVs, and you can also find it in other types of vehicles such as vans or caravans. Most vans with a V8 engine will have at least 250 horsepower.
It means that the van will have excellent pulling power, allowing you to take your van on very long trips with heavy loads. However, for a long-distance trip, you may need to rent a vehicle with a diesel engine. The economy of this kind of van will be better than the gas model.
The V8 is also designed for added power. The fuel consumption of the van will be high because it requires more energy than older models. It takes about 12-15% more energy from the battery to run a V8 engine, and you’ll have to put more gas in to keep the same speed at which you drove it in the past.
The Major Fuel-Efficiency Issues With the V8 Engine
There are a few areas that you should know about with this engine. It is designed for more power and has a higher pressure in it. If you don’t use the recommended gas levels, the engine will work harder, consuming more fuel.
You’ll find that it is also more expensive to maintain than other engines. The injectors will need to be replaced every 50,000 miles. There are also high maintenance levels in the pistons and valves. You’ll want to have this checked every other oil change for your safety.
The Rest of the Story
Van life can be very sustainable, but only if you are careful about what you do and how you live. To sum things up, the V6 and V8 are both ideal van engines. They are both capable of producing a lot of power. They are both economical to operate. And they both work well with a fifth wheel or trailer. So you’ll find that these two engines make great choices for people who use their vehicle for recreation (like camping and traveling) as well as for people who live full-time in their van.