Pallet Height

Driveguy 207

Expert Expediter
In my never ending quest to make my Sprinter as Driver freindly as
possible, While still being able to haul 3 Pallets. Im thinking about
hanging some cabnets from the ceiling. How often are C-Unit Loads higher then say 60"
 

DocRushing

Expert Expediter
I'll leave the height question to the vanners.
But please be extremely cautious about adding much weight very high.
That would raise the center of mass of the vehicle overall.
And that would decrease the stability of your van -- especially while light or empty.
How much?
Not too much, I hope.
If you add heavy cabinets with heavy contents installed relatively high, you could badly increase the tendency of the van to roll -- and decrease the ability of the van to recover from a roll.
Terry O'Connell is a retired Coast Guard officer.
Maybe Terry will comment on the stability problem.
The same physical principle affects both vans and vessels.
Terry?
Best wishes,
Doc.

not only a long-time trucker
but also a former Naval officer and present merchant mariner
 

Glen Rice

Veteran Expediter
You of course realize that would be 5 feet? I would think never higher than that. As far as the center of gravity being to high, unless you are making your cabinets out of steel I would think you'll be fine. Good luck.
 

Tom Robertson

Veteran Expediter
driveguy...

you have the most versitile van on the market...don't diminish the interior height...it can serve you in serveral ways.

there are many shipments that consist of lightweight stackable containers, others like one handled by one of my spriters today... an automotive rack measuring 66x55x68H and if you build it "down" to 60" you lose the ability to stand upright.

place you cabinetry at the front behind the drivers and passengers sets and keep them at 20' or less in depth. that will still allow you to handle 3 skids
 

Twmaster

Expert Expediter
I routinely put 70-75" high skids in my Big B. As Tom said don't destroy that ability you have there with your Sprinter. I have had skids that I needed to break down to fit inside my Big B. I suppose the answer is yes there is often need to haul skids taller than 5 foot.

--
Mike N

Faster than a speeding poulet.

Owner/Operator Big 'B'
Experienced
10 years auto transport
2 years local/distance expedite
Laurel, MD (Washington DC area)
 

ATeam

Senior Member
Retired Expediter
Instead of cabinets, have you considered shipping cases? They would hold the same stuff as cabinets but could also be moved around to make room for freight when it bacame necessary to do so. We're doing that in our truck. The cases are small enough to lift safely even when full. They can be stacked on top of each other if necessary and easily secured to the E-track. They are waterproof so they stay nice and clean inside. The ones we bought come with a lifetime warranty.

They come with optional cut-away foam linings like you see in some gun or camera cases. That enables you to create any size foam-padded space you wish to protect your fragile personal gear. The cases come in a variety of shapes and sizes. One version even has wheels and a retractable handle on it like you see on suitcases in airports. Only it is very heavy duty. You can jump on these things and drop them from your truck and they keep on ticking!

In a van, perhaps a system of ropes and pullies could devised to pull and lock the cases high in the van when necessary, something like what some van drivers do with their beds.

The manufacturer is Pelican. We learned of them at the Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville, KY. They will be exhibiting there this year too (March 31-April 2).

If you do a Google search on "Pelican Cases", you can find product details and a number of dealers that sell them.
 

terryandrene

Veteran Expediter
Safety & Compliance
US Coast Guard
DocRushing raised a good point for Sprinter operators to be aware. The higher the weight is placed in a vehicle, the higher your center of gravity is located lessening the ability for the vehicle to right itself from a leaning position. This is important for a Sprinter because of its large sail area.

The following is heresay but probably true. Two years ago, two Sprinters operated by a nationwide package delivery service, unloaded their packages from their lower racks first, leaving most of their cargo weight towards the roof. On an exceptionally windy day in Chicago, each of these Sprinters was blown onto its side. Was the high center of gravity a factor? probably. Somthing to keep in mind when planning your builtins or arranging your freight.

Terry
 
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