Ordinarily only 216.7 inches in overall length, the 2012 Ford E-Series E-350 Super Duty full-size 1-ton cargo van can be delivered in a stretched, 236.4-inch edition knighted the E-350 Super Duty Ext. This outsize version of Ford’s workhorse van totes some 278.3 cubic feet of total cargo room behind the front captain’s chairs or, with the passenger seat removed, a cavernous total of 319.1 cubic feet. A couple of V8 engines are offered with this hefty hauler, as well as a number of options to help allay its rather Spartan standard features.
Such standard appearance, comfort and convenience features include 16-inch steel wheels, vinyl upholstery, tilt-wheel steering, air conditioning and an AM/FM stereo with 2 speakers.
For utilitarian purposes, Ford’s available Work Solutions package offers a dash-mounted computer with mobile Internet access, remote file retrieval and tool inventory, while the popular Crew Chief option tracks vehicle maintenance, idle time, location and speed. Customizable upfitter switches are also available to this stretched-out van, as are added cabin insulation, a towing package, various configurations of racks, drawers and bins, and an integrated trailer brake controller.
For added driving comfort and convenience, noteworthy optional equipment such as cloth upholstery, second-row bench seating, cruise control and a single-CD player with 6 speakers and satellite radio are available. Most of these extra goodies remain available in either package form or as standalone options.
The standard powertrain in the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) 2012 E-Series E-350 Super Duty Ext is a 255-hp Flex-Fuel (FFV) 5.4-liter V8 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. Look for 350 lb-ft of torque from this combo, good enough to tow 10,000 pounds with the proper equipment, including an available 4.1 rear axle ratio, but gas mileage is a lowly 12 mpg city/16 highway. Additionally, a 5-speed automatic can be fitted to this peppy V8, and it can also be configured to burn CNG/LPG (Compressed Natural Gas/Liquid Propane Gas) for a somewhat greener footprint.
A monstrous 6.8-liter V10 powerplant is available to the E-350 Super Duty Ext, and combines with the standard 5-speed automatic transmission (with tow/haul mode) for 305 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Towing remains maxed out at 10,000 pounds with this big mill, but mileage drops to 10/14.
Finally, standard safety equipment aboard this long-box cargo carrier includes 4-wheel antilock braking (ABS), traction and stability control and a post-collision safety system. Optional safety measures, meantime, includes a rear-view camera and rear parking sensors, while added security features include Ford’s E-Guard cargo protection system and a passive remote antitheft alarm.
