2006 Chevy 17ft Unicell

corehyper · Mar 9, 2006

Hello all, I am buying a 06 Chevy Unicell w/ the Deisel engine 6.6 I think. Has 17 foot body on it. I am going to build a sleeper. The salesman told me that they are averaging 15MPG. I just want to see if he is right and maybe get some feedback on the truck itself. thanks guys and girls

LDB · Mar 9, 2006

I think the 17' Aerocell would be a fantastic choice. You could build in a super nice sleeper and still carry 2 skids or an adequate sleeper and carry 3 skids. What is the gvw and what is the empty weight, do you know? That's the only concern I'd have with the 17' body. I'd think 15mpg with the diesel would certainly be realistic, perhaps even a little better. Be sure to keep us posted on how things go.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 3034, 4958
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator 1+ Years of Service
-----
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

davekc · Mar 9, 2006

Prior to purchase, I would highly recommend getting a letter of intent from the carrier you wish to lease to. Insurance requirements prohibit some carriers from putting on these types of vehicles.
You don't want to assume to much. I know of more than one case were this has been a problem.
I like your choice of vehicle though.

Davekc
owner
21 years
PantherII
EO moderator

late for dinner · Mar 10, 2006

You better read and understand what LDB is asking you. It dont matter who you lease to or how many skids you can put into the truck. THIS UNIT IS GOING TO BE HEAVY. Unless you get a contract hauling something very light in weight, you will just end up with a somewhat expensive camper.

LDB · Mar 10, 2006

There are two distinct components to look at with the 17' Aerocell. One is available cargo weight and the other is logs. I heard the 17' body is only put on a 4500 chassis which would provide at least as much cargo weight capacity as a regular one ton van but would have a gvw in the 13-14k range and require logging. If the 17' is put on a 3500 chassis then the issue is available capacity because the empty weight would probably be less than 2k below gvw. I really can't see a company with as much experience as Unicell doing that but I'd check the gvw and empty weight just to know how much I could carry and if I'm going to have to keep a log book. Personally, I think it will only be a year or two till all vans are required to log all runs anyway and I find the 17' Aerocell very interesting and compelling. Good luck with your project. Keep us informed. This is an excellent topic for everyone to have access to. Thanks.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 3034, 4958
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator 1+ Years of Service
-----
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

greg334 · Mar 10, 2006

Leo
they do put the 17 footer on the G3500 chassis. but I can't find the extended weight capacity for the G3500 (like the 12K chassis) they used to have.

I would actually look at the Aerocell SRW instead, it seems to be more suited for the chassis.

As for the fuel consumption, 15 will be on the high side, expect 13.

corehyper · Mar 10, 2006

Yes thank you for the info. the body is a 3500 and the GVRW is 12,000. the truck weighs 7900LB. It will handle 5k, I am putting the anti drag thing on the frame to prevent sagging. The dealer said that I could haul 5K no problem w/ that engine setup. I am fortunate to be running for a company that dont require any signs or qualcom. If DOT starts pulling me over then I will have to stick w/ hauling 4K. Most of our loads are 25oo or lighter anyways. I like the fact that I can add a nice sleeper and still have plenty of room for alot of light skids. Now all I need is a Pallet Jack. I am going to add another row of E-tracks. If indeed it gets 15MPG, I will be tickled pink for sure. seeing that my 2002 Cubevan only got around 9. and that was driving away from the wind

I also like the fact that this truck cuts through the wind like it does. I plan to deck it up very nicely. I will post pics as I progress. Thanks a million. Have a wonderfull weekend.

LDB · Mar 10, 2006

No QC is pretty much all a positive unless you have a lot of cell phone dead zones. With a 12k gvw you could run into problems if you aren't logging all the time. As mentioned, the SRW is also a nice vehicle. Dieseldoctor has one that's just amazingly outfitted. The man is incredibly talented. If I were doing an Aerocell it would be the 17' body for sure and probably on a 4500 chassis. I think that would give you around 15k gvw and 9k empty. Either that or I'd get a motorcycle with one of the pop up tent campers they make for them and expedite envelopes, single cans of paint and other small/light items.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 3034, 4958
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator 1+ Years of Service
-----
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

MSinger · Mar 10, 2006

1997 Dodge Ram 3500 with 12' cube. Dock high with jackstands. 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel.

I run the above mentioned truck and was in the same situation as far as no QC or signs. The truck has an 11,000 GVWR. I ran for 3 years on 10,000# license plates with no problem. Then boom I got nailed in Kentucky by a Vehicle Enforcement Officer who only pulled me over because my truck didn't have a DOT # on the front doors. I told him it was only a 10,000# truck and he actually opened my drivers door and looked at the tag. He said he didn't care what the plates said only what the mfg tag said. Luckily I was dead heading back home and told him it wasn't used commercially so he let me go after checking the back to make sure it was empty. Now I carry a log but do my best to avoid the scales. Just something to think about.