Aerocell with sleeper
- Thread starter dhalltoyo
- Start date
I think you'd have to arrange with Bentz or ARI or whoever to take the Aerocell to them and have it fitted out. When all vans have to log, which I expect to see within the next couple of years, a 17' Aerocell on a 4500 chassis built out to allow 4 skids down the center with full amenities along each side is sure to be a hit.
Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA Life Member 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
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Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA Life Member 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
Jack_Berry
Moderator Emeritus
you might find a 5500 chassis is better and with a lift the price isn't that much more than an expeditor new sprinter. i like the 5500 pic on the aerocell site. look at the options and then the decals.
what would that classify as?
Jack Berry
what would that classify as?
Jack Berry
Packmule
Expert Expediter
Jack,
I looked at the Areocell 5500 series in Simpsonville SC. It is VERY impressive. You can also get that Model lifted to a Dock height bed. I don't recall the load capacity but I will try to find the specs the salesman got for me. I remember it would actually fall into a "C"unit load capacity. I really gave it a lot of consideration, but decided to stay out of the HOS regs. so I went with a <10K truck.
Also you are correct on the pricing, it was less than 40K out the door, which is less than a new Sprinter.
Danny
I looked at the Areocell 5500 series in Simpsonville SC. It is VERY impressive. You can also get that Model lifted to a Dock height bed. I don't recall the load capacity but I will try to find the specs the salesman got for me. I remember it would actually fall into a "C"unit load capacity. I really gave it a lot of consideration, but decided to stay out of the HOS regs. so I went with a <10K truck.
Also you are correct on the pricing, it was less than 40K out the door, which is less than a new Sprinter.
Danny
Jack_Berry
Moderator Emeritus
hey mule, i priced one with tazman recently. i also was looking for a d-max engine. that didn't include the sleeper. there is a fella advertising in the classifieds for sleepers in sprinters for a starting price of 1800 bucks.
gvrw according to taz is aro 19k.
leo if you went 4 skid up the middle on the 17' box where would you put a sleeper(assuming 48 x 48 skids)? seems the best would be 3 skids if you want an enclosed sleep area. thats a lot of truck for only 3 skids. hmmmmm.
Jack Berry
gvrw according to taz is aro 19k.
leo if you went 4 skid up the middle on the 17' box where would you put a sleeper(assuming 48 x 48 skids)? seems the best would be 3 skids if you want an enclosed sleep area. thats a lot of truck for only 3 skids. hmmmmm.
Jack Berry
Packmule
Expert Expediter
Jack,
I agree with you on the 4 skids (48X48). It would be possible on 48X40 Skids to load 4 side by side due to the 94" width.
With the increased load capacity "C" freight loads should also be available. In reality though, you would be a glorified Super "B" unit, but with the advantage of getting loads that other "B" units would not be qualified to haul. (Size dimensions, weight, Height, etc.) You would more or less be a specialized unit that would give you a big advantage in a competitive arena of acquiring loads. The start-up and operation overhead would be considerably less on this type unit and I think it would be easier to resale outside of the expediting market than a typical "C" or "D" unit.
You may not gross the same as a "D" unit, but I think your Net would possibly meet or exceed that type unit.
I guess I have a different outlook on going to market in this industry than most because all I hear is negative comments on "B" units and "B" freight. And yes a lot of the comments are totally correct. There are an abundance of VANS in this market. There is also a LARGE amount of "B" freight. and yes a lot of this freight is being hauled by "D" units because there is also a lot of "D" units out there with huge overheads that will haul anything at any rate to keep some type of cash flow going. With that being said, there is still a large amount of Vans moving daily at pretty decent rates (compared to the investment and operational overhead of a "D" unit)
So if you are going to compete in the "B" market, be a big fish in a small pond rather than as a "D" unit having to compete with all the little fish in the big pond.
Just my perspective, not saying I am right by any means. But I will say this, If the HOS regs do become mandatory for Vans, I will either get out or build a unit of this type.
Danny
I agree with you on the 4 skids (48X48). It would be possible on 48X40 Skids to load 4 side by side due to the 94" width.
With the increased load capacity "C" freight loads should also be available. In reality though, you would be a glorified Super "B" unit, but with the advantage of getting loads that other "B" units would not be qualified to haul. (Size dimensions, weight, Height, etc.) You would more or less be a specialized unit that would give you a big advantage in a competitive arena of acquiring loads. The start-up and operation overhead would be considerably less on this type unit and I think it would be easier to resale outside of the expediting market than a typical "C" or "D" unit.
You may not gross the same as a "D" unit, but I think your Net would possibly meet or exceed that type unit.
I guess I have a different outlook on going to market in this industry than most because all I hear is negative comments on "B" units and "B" freight. And yes a lot of the comments are totally correct. There are an abundance of VANS in this market. There is also a LARGE amount of "B" freight. and yes a lot of this freight is being hauled by "D" units because there is also a lot of "D" units out there with huge overheads that will haul anything at any rate to keep some type of cash flow going. With that being said, there is still a large amount of Vans moving daily at pretty decent rates (compared to the investment and operational overhead of a "D" unit)
So if you are going to compete in the "B" market, be a big fish in a small pond rather than as a "D" unit having to compete with all the little fish in the big pond.
Just my perspective, not saying I am right by any means. But I will say this, If the HOS regs do become mandatory for Vans, I will either get out or build a unit of this type.
Danny
Yes, 4 skids up the middle with your "sleeper" along the side walls and a suspended bed above the freight area. You could have cabinetry, refrigerator, sink etc. on the side walls at the front leaving about 102" at the rear with nothing on the walls. You'd need some way to secure the skids from side to side movement. In this configuration, in an upside down t shaps sort of like this, | you could have 6 skids total provided they'd go two wide in the two rear spots. It could be set up dock high and easily carry C weight capacity.
Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA Life Member 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA Life Member 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
Jack_Berry
Moderator Emeritus
ahhhhh, i see. not certain about the width at the tail either. have not seen one up close.
Jack Berry
Jack Berry
Packmule
Expert Expediter
Leo,
Yes, if you put E trac in the floor and on the side walls at about a height of 32" from floor, you could secure the freight with load bars and straps in the same fashion as in a standard box.
If you wanted to really get wild, mount the cabinets on a vertical rail system so they could be raised to the roof when more width is required, and then lowered to the floor level for normal use. Same with the bed. The sink drain would have to have a quick disconnect for raising sink cabinet up to ceiling. Mounting a 12V winch under rear bumper with a 20' strap would allow you to drag forward freight to rear for unloading by fork trucks. If you are good with blocks,tackle and pulleys this type system would also make raising the cabinets up and down.
A very large sleeper configuration could be designed to make empty layovers very comfortable.
Danny
Yes, if you put E trac in the floor and on the side walls at about a height of 32" from floor, you could secure the freight with load bars and straps in the same fashion as in a standard box.
If you wanted to really get wild, mount the cabinets on a vertical rail system so they could be raised to the roof when more width is required, and then lowered to the floor level for normal use. Same with the bed. The sink drain would have to have a quick disconnect for raising sink cabinet up to ceiling. Mounting a 12V winch under rear bumper with a 20' strap would allow you to drag forward freight to rear for unloading by fork trucks. If you are good with blocks,tackle and pulleys this type system would also make raising the cabinets up and down.
A very large sleeper configuration could be designed to make empty layovers very comfortable.
Danny
That was my thought, that when empty you'd have the largest sleeper anywhere. I believe you could have a very interesting and very comfortable unit.
Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA Life Member 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA Life Member 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
dragonrider
Expert Expediter
I know the problems with the aero cell.I have run one for 3 yrs. I still feel it is a good idea BUT,
Unicell wants nothing to do with a conversion or anything other then selling the body.They say they will build it your way,but you are getting a bare body.They now ofer a stand up cab,but the few I have seen are not finished they way you need it,if they will cut the cab to the roof "b" post and put in a support to the fiber glass roof,you could use the spce on either side a small storage.hard to explane but look at the overhang over the sides of the cab,above the doors you will see where I am talking.
The floor of the box is higher then the floor of the cab.I have been told that they can make so much of box in front cab level,the box higher so no wheel wells in box.
I have been checked by a company I was looking to lease on with,and a DOT guy that I had to show the sleeper section was isolated from the box,that no fumes etc could get up front.this was to prove it was a legal sleeper.
ps sorry don't know i changed letter size
I have a G3500 gvw 12,000 modified to be a 13950 this gave me a 4000lb cargo.
If I did this again would definatly go to a c5500/c6500 dura max[big 6 not p/u 6600] allison 3060 etc
DOCK high period.but I am not sure Unicell can/does make a forklift box.
I tried to start to do Aerocell coversions,the money was too much for me,also found out I would have to be approved by GM/Ford and the goverment.The cost of just that was a little under $700,000!!!!
I had figured I could build the g3500/e4500 for a sale price of around $48,000 complete,with s/c heat frig etc. But all the other expenses would have ment I would have to do 100 a year for 20 years to show a profit!
Sorry to be so long and have left out a lot.
I will answer E-mails when I can and if sent to me with a subject of OE aero.
Unicell wants nothing to do with a conversion or anything other then selling the body.They say they will build it your way,but you are getting a bare body.They now ofer a stand up cab,but the few I have seen are not finished they way you need it,if they will cut the cab to the roof "b" post and put in a support to the fiber glass roof,you could use the spce on either side a small storage.hard to explane but look at the overhang over the sides of the cab,above the doors you will see where I am talking.
The floor of the box is higher then the floor of the cab.I have been told that they can make so much of box in front cab level,the box higher so no wheel wells in box.
I have been checked by a company I was looking to lease on with,and a DOT guy that I had to show the sleeper section was isolated from the box,that no fumes etc could get up front.this was to prove it was a legal sleeper.
ps sorry don't know i changed letter size
I have a G3500 gvw 12,000 modified to be a 13950 this gave me a 4000lb cargo.
If I did this again would definatly go to a c5500/c6500 dura max[big 6 not p/u 6600] allison 3060 etc
DOCK high period.but I am not sure Unicell can/does make a forklift box.
I tried to start to do Aerocell coversions,the money was too much for me,also found out I would have to be approved by GM/Ford and the goverment.The cost of just that was a little under $700,000!!!!
I had figured I could build the g3500/e4500 for a sale price of around $48,000 complete,with s/c heat frig etc. But all the other expenses would have ment I would have to do 100 a year for 20 years to show a profit!
Sorry to be so long and have left out a lot.
I will answer E-mails when I can and if sent to me with a subject of OE aero.
Jack_Berry
Moderator Emeritus
so you have a seperate sleeper in the box? how big? can the 3500 do side by side skids? pictures?
Jack Berry
Jack Berry
dragonrider
Expert Expediter
I have hauled 5 45x48 many many times.I have had as many as 30 36x30 by 30 high totes.48x54 3 at a time and remember it has a 69in door highth.with the 2 in southern yellow pine floor sliding stuff is easy truck is 90 in wide at e-track on walls.I am 6ft6 and can stand in the bed but head is real close to door with door open.
Pics would do no good,had to remove sleeper,doing dedicated run that requires all of truck must be visable from front to back,had to remove sliding door and close off the opening.Can't say what i do sorry,
I have come up with a design for a driver who wants to downsize and take his motorcycle with him,should be slick if it happens. I know this will start a bunch of talk about why etc,but if it wqorks for him good.
Pics would do no good,had to remove sleeper,doing dedicated run that requires all of truck must be visable from front to back,had to remove sliding door and close off the opening.Can't say what i do sorry,
I have come up with a design for a driver who wants to downsize and take his motorcycle with him,should be slick if it happens. I know this will start a bunch of talk about why etc,but if it wqorks for him good.
greg334
Veteran Expediter
"I have a G3500 gvw 12,000 modified to be a 13950 this gave me a 4000lb cargo."
I am courious about how you go about legally modifying the GVW from 12,000 to 13,950 without GM getting involved?
I was under the impression that even if the chassis comes from the factory with an uncompleted vehicle sticker with the max rating, an upfitter can not go beyond the GVW rating of the chassis and so neither can an owner.
"I tried to start to do Aerocell coversions,the money was too much for me,also found out I would have to be approved by GM/Ford and the goverment.The cost of just that was a little under $700,000!!!!"
OK I am confused, what does the government have to do with this and what approval do you need from Ford/GM? You are taking a complete body from Unicell and adding an interior to it, right?
After working with a couple companies who make the actual real boxes, we determined how to safely put in a bulkhead in a box as a sleeper with complete safety measures properly to haul both heavy freight and hazmat. This design can be easily approved by both the feds and states without too many road blocks but I have questioned the worth of the design to an owner opposed to a cab-sleeper-box design.
I am courious about how you go about legally modifying the GVW from 12,000 to 13,950 without GM getting involved?
I was under the impression that even if the chassis comes from the factory with an uncompleted vehicle sticker with the max rating, an upfitter can not go beyond the GVW rating of the chassis and so neither can an owner.
"I tried to start to do Aerocell coversions,the money was too much for me,also found out I would have to be approved by GM/Ford and the goverment.The cost of just that was a little under $700,000!!!!"
OK I am confused, what does the government have to do with this and what approval do you need from Ford/GM? You are taking a complete body from Unicell and adding an interior to it, right?
After working with a couple companies who make the actual real boxes, we determined how to safely put in a bulkhead in a box as a sleeper with complete safety measures properly to haul both heavy freight and hazmat. This design can be easily approved by both the feds and states without too many road blocks but I have questioned the worth of the design to an owner opposed to a cab-sleeper-box design.