Cargo Van vs. Van w/ Box Unit

iheartfaye · Jan 15, 2005

Hey everyone, I currently drive a regular sized 1998 Chevy Express but stopped at a dealer to look at some new extended vans. The dealer didn't have any but I took a gander at a box unit based on a Savannah.

All the room is really tempting. The ability to take additional or very high skids. Plus I have already mapped out the master bedroom with hot tub and sauna that I will install in the back

I have only been expediting for about a month and a half and don't think I have seen one box van unit. What are the pros and cons that cause everyone to go with a standard van unit?

This particular unit was a 6-wheeler and had increased weight so I can see where fuel would be one issue. I have also backed up to some ramps where a van was tight. I would not have been able to back up a box to it.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Brian

Glen Rice · Jan 15, 2005

Bigger is better, and about 8 foot of sleeper, now your talking! I heard of a driver a few years back trying to convert a Greyhound bus into a "C" unit. So you're only limited to your imagination and of course your wallet! Have fun and keep thinking up creative ideas.

Doggie Daddy · Jan 15, 2005

>Bigger is better, and about 8 foot of sleeper, now your
>talking! I heard of a driver a few years back trying to
>convert a Greyhound bus into a "C" unit. So you're only
>limited to your imagination and of course your wallet! Have
>fun and keep thinking up creative ideas.

it's fun thinking up different kinds of configurations and combinations for the various sizes of expedite vehicles.but ultimately it comes down to what the carrier will accept.i would think that anyone concidering creating something that is out of the ordinary wuold find out first if it will be acceptable to the carrier.DD.

Twmaster · Jan 15, 2005

Oh yea bigger is indeed better. However like other mentioned make sure the truck you get is suited/acceptable to the carrier you are leased or plan to lease to. One thing you will find is that you might not want to give up any of that nice big cargo bay for bunk room. I run a single rear wheel GMC Savana cutaway with a 10' Morgan box. I can take 3 6' high skids. The down side is you are not dock high sometimes making for a problem getting unloaded. One other point to consider. A dual rear wheel truck will almost certainly be over 10,000 pounds GVW which means you will have to stop at the chicken coops, run a log book and be subject to HOS rules. On the up side you have a lot of volume and floor space, you can take taller/more skids etc than a standard van. Maybe even have room to make some sort of bunk/sleeper space. One other small point I really do love about my truck is there is that the cargo box and cab are separate so the stench from smelly cargo like freshly printed paper products or auto parts slathered in stinky oil will not work it's way into the cab.

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Mike N

Faster than a speeding poulet.