Expeditors Dream Van

[dieseldoctor]

Going to answer some questions and send some more pictures of the progress I'm making on my van.
I just did not want a longer van and haven't seen a longer one with single rear wheels except the Sprinter and the quality there is very suspect. Since we are a team we use a 42" x 80" bed. Can't turn that sideways in many vans. As far as sleeping with a load on, most loads we haul are under 48" and even with a 48" load we can lower the bed to the top of the load and still have room above it to sleep. Will send a picture of that when I get the mattress in.
As far as shelves I will be putting lots of shelves on both sides. The ones on the left will be shallow,(from about 6" to 3" deep near the top), but the ones on the right will be from 13" to about 6" deep.
The attached pictures will help you see what I have done so far and I will send more when I get the shelves done. I can go back on the road without the shelves so am working on essential stuff first.

 

[dieseldoctor]

Got the van finished enough so we can haul frieght so are leaving this afternoon to head to Medina to get decals put on and then try to make a payment or two. Didn't get any shelves made but will do that on weekends as I get time. Attaching a couple of pictures showing how we can sleep with a load aboard. Will be a little snug but still comfortable. All this work has me so tired I need to go back to work to rest lol. Later guys!

 

[tazman]

Looks great...smart idea...

I sell these units (we are a multi-franchise dealer)...
Unicell just sent me a note indicating that the 2004 Econoline inventory is very, very limited...they will stop making them soon..
They predict they will be out of "pool units" to build foe several months between the 2004 and 2004 production cycle....

If anyone is interested in these units...call me so I can get you some pricing.........
They only have 2004 Diesels available in E-350 and E-450 duallies..
SRW is gas only (5.4) .....

Thanks,

Frank in Pa.

P.S. - I can drop ship anywhere.......



"The Beast in the East"

 

[dieseldoctor]

Tazman maybe I should have traded with you. I traded with Dale Jarret Ford (yes the race car driver) and they ripped me. I had them had put on the order in writing that no rebates were figured in the order because they were subject to change and therefore would be figured on the day of delivery. Well at delivery they first claimed that Ford had dropped the "upfit" allowance. When I told them I checked the internet that morning and Ford was still offering it then they started claiming that the "upfit" allowance was a reimbursement and not a rebate and was already figured in the price. If it was figured in the price then they were a $1000.00 higher than the other dealers that were bidding. The only thing I could do is take them to court and I don't think that would pay so I guess they got me for a grand. But I will spread the word to everyone I talk to that they are not the place to do business. A word to the wise is sufficient.

 

[tazman]

Sorry you had a bad experience.... I hear that all the time.
While it is true that all rebates are based on "date of delivery" the particular upfit rebate you were referring to is available until 6/30/04...

If you financed they should have shown that rebate as part of the down payment to lower the amount financed along with any other cash you added...if you paid cash then it should have come off your selling price and then deduct you trade..leaving you a net amount (and a lower sales tax bite).
In some states (like NJ) you have to show the rebates as a taxable amount....not sure where you are but...anyway.....

Good luck with your truck...Unicell is a class company and will stand behind there products...for me even though I sell Fords they are not my vehicle of choice....

I may have to look into your upfit..as a may be entering the business in the near future.....still trying to work out family issues...


"The Beast in the East"

 

[Dreamer]

Diesel Doctor,

You never cease to amaze me! I have referred many people to the pics of your old van... looks like you will have a comfortable rest in this one too.

I guess it's all about compromises... what do you compromise to be able to have the benefits of a van... and still be comfortable.. so far looks like you've found the balance.

Best of luck!

Dreamer

 

[dieseldoctor]

Thanks for the kind words Dreamer. I do try to make my van as comfortable as possible. I got to haul a little this week and would you believe the first load was one where the consignee didn't open until 06:30 and we got there about 03:30. But we just lowered the bed to the top of the load and slept just as good as if we were empty. (see picture) Also got home long enough to build the first shelf. Including a picture of it. Will eventually have about four more layers above it.

 

[dieseldoctor]

Wife and I sure are enjoying our new van. Have over 21,000 miles already. Have had two loads too tall for us to use sleeper (55" high (got straight truck rate)) but got them delivered without needing to sleep. Wife sure likes having the porta-potty and all the shelves for our "stuff". Still have a few more shelves to build when I get time and then will post pics showing the interior from front to rear so someone may get an idea or two they may want to put in their van.

 

[ATeam]

dieseldoctor,

I admire your skill set...carpentry, metal work, and computers too! From the pictures, your handiwork seems top notch...good fit and finish, pieces precicely placed, quality materials. You are an innovative, original thinker. It's a pleasure to view your ongoing project. Thank you for sharing as you have. Keep it coming!

 

[dieseldoctor]

Thanks ATEAM! I appreciate the kind words. I will do a virtual tour of the van when I finally get it finished. Talking about fit, I figured out a way to fit shelve boards to the curves of this van and the method will work on any uneven or curved serface. If anyone is interested I will work up step by step instructions. This can be used for fitting carpet or anything to an uneven surface in your truck or home.

 

[gojack]

One Sweet set-up
I am very curious about gas milage so far?

Dave

 

[dieseldoctor]

Thanks Gojack, So far I have 27,112 miles and 576.2 hrs on the van. I have used 1,891 gallons of gas for an average of 14.3 mpg. Note that we have been in some hot weather and idled the van for a/c. I know in Atlanta last week we idled for over 10 hrs. My average mph is 47 so you know there are several hrs of idling time in my totals. These figures are straight off my excell spread sheet so are very acurate figures not a guesstimate. Just wonder if anyone with a diesel has an accurate average mpg for their van? Would also like to know if they idle for cooling or go in a truckstop to stay cool. I like to stay in my van and am not going to sweat so I idle
Dieseldoctor

 

[blizzard2014]

In the GM'S, you have to pre-cut a hole in the floor, just above the fuel tank and always keep a spare fuel pump with you so all you have to do is just swap them out.

At least ball joints you can monitor for wear, but when the fuel pump goes your done for, its hook time in the middle of Backwater U.S.A. and off the Bubba's garage! *lol*

LOL: I'm currently in backwater USA and my Van is sitting unoperable in a lot next to Bubba's towing and auto wrecking!!!