Terry
- Thread starter oncedrove
- Start date
>Tell us what you would like to have in a van, GMC or
>Chevrolet.
>Example-motor,axle, power window,ect and why?
>Add ons-heat, port-a-potty, ect.
>Raised roof, were to have it done?
Oncedrove:
I went to the following site and built a Chevrolet Express Cargo Van:
http://www.chevrolet.com/byo/build.cv
My preferences:
White, 3500, extended wheelbase (155)
White acceptable to any carrier; required by some
3500 for the weight rating and extended for the room you'll need.
Cloth seats, power locks, windows
Seats warmer in winter, cooler in summer.
Power locks/windows. Easier to talk to gate guards on right and to secure truck.
Tilt/Cruise control. comfort factor for the long runs.
Locking 3.73 diff for getting out of the median.
285 V8 with a 145a alternator.
Bigger alternator helps keep your extra batterries charged.
Taking out the passenger seat? delete pass. airbag, save money.
Auxilliary lighting under hood and reading. Gives you wiring to hook your own stuff to.
Smoker Package so you get a cig lighter to plug in stuff.
Chrome bumper. Signals forklift operator that this is a presonal vehicle so don't slam into it. I don't like bumper protection devices some people fabricate 'cause they signal FL driver to bang away.
Window in side cargo door is a safety feature. You can see traffic on the right if you come to an angled intersection.
Now for My preferred Add-ons:
Heat: An ESPAR. about $1200 installed. Money well spent.
Port-a-Potty: Neither Rene' nor I want one 'cause there are too many public toilets and we're not incontinent. Why not wear Depends? you'll only have to get out of van once a day to change them.
Raised Roof: I've had three. Malibu Van conversions went out of business; Osage Van conversions were too expensive. My next try will be in Elkhart, In where Turtle Top has gotten favorable reviews.
Full length running boards: Helps to get into van when you're tired and old and act like mud flaps keeping dirt and rocks from body of van.
Two deep-cycle batteries for powering your Qualcomm, TV, DVD/VCR, laptop and any other appliance you add-on. Put a fuse block in the rear of the van for all your add-ons. May help to prevent voiding your warrenty when dealer sees all your stuff.
I have a small three drawer cabinet mounted between and slightly aft of the seats. Storage for all the papers/BOL's/permits/logs, etc. you'll accumulate.
CB Radio so you can talk to me and Raceman. XM or Sirius radio so you can listen to anything, anytime, anyhere.
Hands free telephone device hard-wired into your elec system. I've had a $200+ device for about 7 years. They can turn off radio when fone rings and you hear thru the van speakers. Mine has an extension handset I've wired-up near my pillow so I can answer the cell while it's in the dashboard cradle. It's also a charger. I bought it at an ATT store.
Jumper cable so you can get help when you fall asleep with the headlights on. I can restart by jumping my deep-cycles.
I hope the above is somewhat helpful. Remember they are my preference and may not reflect the wish list of others.
Terry
>Chevrolet.
>Example-motor,axle, power window,ect and why?
>Add ons-heat, port-a-potty, ect.
>Raised roof, were to have it done?
Oncedrove:
I went to the following site and built a Chevrolet Express Cargo Van:
http://www.chevrolet.com/byo/build.cv
My preferences:
White, 3500, extended wheelbase (155)
White acceptable to any carrier; required by some
3500 for the weight rating and extended for the room you'll need.
Cloth seats, power locks, windows
Seats warmer in winter, cooler in summer.
Power locks/windows. Easier to talk to gate guards on right and to secure truck.
Tilt/Cruise control. comfort factor for the long runs.
Locking 3.73 diff for getting out of the median.
285 V8 with a 145a alternator.
Bigger alternator helps keep your extra batterries charged.
Taking out the passenger seat? delete pass. airbag, save money.
Auxilliary lighting under hood and reading. Gives you wiring to hook your own stuff to.
Smoker Package so you get a cig lighter to plug in stuff.
Chrome bumper. Signals forklift operator that this is a presonal vehicle so don't slam into it. I don't like bumper protection devices some people fabricate 'cause they signal FL driver to bang away.
Window in side cargo door is a safety feature. You can see traffic on the right if you come to an angled intersection.
Now for My preferred Add-ons:
Heat: An ESPAR. about $1200 installed. Money well spent.
Port-a-Potty: Neither Rene' nor I want one 'cause there are too many public toilets and we're not incontinent. Why not wear Depends? you'll only have to get out of van once a day to change them.
Raised Roof: I've had three. Malibu Van conversions went out of business; Osage Van conversions were too expensive. My next try will be in Elkhart, In where Turtle Top has gotten favorable reviews.
Full length running boards: Helps to get into van when you're tired and old and act like mud flaps keeping dirt and rocks from body of van.
Two deep-cycle batteries for powering your Qualcomm, TV, DVD/VCR, laptop and any other appliance you add-on. Put a fuse block in the rear of the van for all your add-ons. May help to prevent voiding your warrenty when dealer sees all your stuff.
I have a small three drawer cabinet mounted between and slightly aft of the seats. Storage for all the papers/BOL's/permits/logs, etc. you'll accumulate.
CB Radio so you can talk to me and Raceman. XM or Sirius radio so you can listen to anything, anytime, anyhere.
Hands free telephone device hard-wired into your elec system. I've had a $200+ device for about 7 years. They can turn off radio when fone rings and you hear thru the van speakers. Mine has an extension handset I've wired-up near my pillow so I can answer the cell while it's in the dashboard cradle. It's also a charger. I bought it at an ATT store.
Jumper cable so you can get help when you fall asleep with the headlights on. I can restart by jumping my deep-cycles.
I hope the above is somewhat helpful. Remember they are my preference and may not reflect the wish list of others.
Terry
theoldprof
Veteran Expediter
Terry,
>Auxilliary lighting under hood and reading. Gives you
>wiring to hook your own stuff to.
Is this the $700.00 option?
>Window in side cargo door is a safety feature. You can see
>traffic on the right if you come to an angled intersection.
I wish they had the option of only ONE window in the side double doors.
>Port-a-Potty: Neither Rene' nor I want one 'cause there are
>too many public toilets and we're not incontinent. Why not
>wear Depends? you'll only have to get out of van once a day
>to change them.
Depends? That sounds like a good idea!!
>Jumper cable so you can get help when you fall asleep with
>the headlights on. I can restart by jumping my deep-cycles.
If the truck battery was dead, and the aux batteries still had power, couldn't a switch that would energize the aux battery be installed to let you use the aux batteries to start the truck? Sort of like picking yourself up by your own bootstraps.
Don't forget to rewire your power windows so they can be opened and closed without the ignition being "On".
Thanks, :+ :+
>Auxilliary lighting under hood and reading. Gives you
>wiring to hook your own stuff to.
Is this the $700.00 option?
>Window in side cargo door is a safety feature. You can see
>traffic on the right if you come to an angled intersection.
I wish they had the option of only ONE window in the side double doors.
>Port-a-Potty: Neither Rene' nor I want one 'cause there are
>too many public toilets and we're not incontinent. Why not
>wear Depends? you'll only have to get out of van once a day
>to change them.
Depends? That sounds like a good idea!!
>Jumper cable so you can get help when you fall asleep with
>the headlights on. I can restart by jumping my deep-cycles.
If the truck battery was dead, and the aux batteries still had power, couldn't a switch that would energize the aux battery be installed to let you use the aux batteries to start the truck? Sort of like picking yourself up by your own bootstraps.
Don't forget to rewire your power windows so they can be opened and closed without the ignition being "On".
Thanks, :+ :+
Hi,
Side glass (as good as factory) can be added to one window.. (providede you have side barn doors) about $150.00
Smokers package not an expensive option.....
Wonder what GVWR you would recommend? (2500 or 3500 series)
Long wheelbase I presume......
I can build/price you one....Just let me know ???
P.S. - Certain interior options will qualify for Business Choice rebates as well.....
Frank in Pa.
"The Beast in the East"
Side glass (as good as factory) can be added to one window.. (providede you have side barn doors) about $150.00
Smokers package not an expensive option.....
Wonder what GVWR you would recommend? (2500 or 3500 series)
Long wheelbase I presume......
I can build/price you one....Just let me know ???
P.S. - Certain interior options will qualify for Business Choice rebates as well.....
Frank in Pa.
"The Beast in the East"
Once:
Smaller engine is enough for what we do and the biggest reason is fuel economy.
Forgot to mention a roof vent. I've used FanTastic fans as the best I've seen but they are a bit pricey.
Smaller engine is enough for what we do and the biggest reason is fuel economy.
Forgot to mention a roof vent. I've used FanTastic fans as the best I've seen but they are a bit pricey.
>Does ESPAR have heat and air? Can you get a genset type unit
>for a van?
>
>Thanks
>GJ
Great advice from Terry except I prefer a porta potti. It sure beats getting dressed to go in the middle of the night which seems to hit make at least once per sleeping period. Also I don't care for the security around some public facilities particulary late at night.
Terry do you seal off the house batteries? What is the fuel consumption per hour of the Espar? Lets us know what you find out about the high top, I figured I'd get one if we get a new van.
>for a van?
>
>Thanks
>GJ
Great advice from Terry except I prefer a porta potti. It sure beats getting dressed to go in the middle of the night which seems to hit make at least once per sleeping period. Also I don't care for the security around some public facilities particulary late at night.
Terry do you seal off the house batteries? What is the fuel consumption per hour of the Espar? Lets us know what you find out about the high top, I figured I'd get one if we get a new van.
Once: The $1200 espar is heat only; they have a heat/air model for considerably more $$. Don't quote me but I think fuel, gas or diesel is about a quart for the evening. It is piped to your fuel tank by the installers.
I don't specifically seal them. They are separated from my sleeper area and are installed between the van wall and my cargo area wall with the E-Track. I have holes in the floor pan for venting. I've had no problems with this arrangement for the past dozen or so years I've done it this way.
I saw a genset on a sprinter and on a ford. They were mounted at the spare tire location. They were on display at last years Expo; I don't remember the vendor.
I don't specifically seal them. They are separated from my sleeper area and are installed between the van wall and my cargo area wall with the E-Track. I have holes in the floor pan for venting. I've had no problems with this arrangement for the past dozen or so years I've done it this way.
I saw a genset on a sprinter and on a ford. They were mounted at the spare tire location. They were on display at last years Expo; I don't remember the vendor.
Terry,
That product was SprinterGen from Espar of Michigan:
https://www.expeditersonline.com/sub/espar/index.html
Lawrence,
Expediters Online.com
Deja Moo: The feeling that you've heard this bull before.
If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.
A billion Chinese can't be wrong, eat rice.
Talk sense to a fool and he calls you foolish.
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That product was SprinterGen from Espar of Michigan:
https://www.expeditersonline.com/sub/espar/index.html
Lawrence,
Expediters Online.com
Deja Moo: The feeling that you've heard this bull before.
If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.
A billion Chinese can't be wrong, eat rice.
Talk sense to a fool and he calls you foolish.
-----------------------------------------
Thanks For Visiting EO!
[p]
http://www.expeditersonline.com/hotnews/sterling_eo_forum.jpg
Please Help Us Get The Word
Out About Expediters Online.com!
-----------------------------------------
dieseldoctor1
Expert Expediter
Unloading at 21:00 and waiting till
15:00 the next day for a load = part of expediting
Outside temp = single digits
Weather = snow
wind = 20mph gusts to 35
Both of us with bad head colds = miserable
Porta Potty = priceless
Dieseldoctor
15:00 the next day for a load = part of expediting
Outside temp = single digits
Weather = snow
wind = 20mph gusts to 35
Both of us with bad head colds = miserable
Porta Potty = priceless
Dieseldoctor
Touche'
>
>Port-a-Potty: Neither Rene' nor I want one 'cause there are
>too many public toilets and we're not incontinent. Why not
>wear Depends? you'll only have to get out of van once a day
>to change them.
>
Now I'll be able to sleep better at night, knowing that the two of you are not incontinent!
Are Depends rated like disposible baby diapers? Those packages have rating like, "for 20 to 25 pounds..." Isn't that a bit much to be sitting in all day! ...and will they really hold 20 to 25 pounds? ...does that rating include liquid and solid? This are questions that need to be answered. This may take some investigation on my part. I'll get back to everyone and let you know. x(
>Port-a-Potty: Neither Rene' nor I want one 'cause there are
>too many public toilets and we're not incontinent. Why not
>wear Depends? you'll only have to get out of van once a day
>to change them.
>
Now I'll be able to sleep better at night, knowing that the two of you are not incontinent!
Are Depends rated like disposible baby diapers? Those packages have rating like, "for 20 to 25 pounds..." Isn't that a bit much to be sitting in all day! ...and will they really hold 20 to 25 pounds? ...does that rating include liquid and solid? This are questions that need to be answered. This may take some investigation on my part. I'll get back to everyone and let you know. x(
???>>>>Port-a-Potty: Neither Rene' nor I want one 'cause there are
???>>>>too many public toilets and we're not incontinent. Why not
???>>>>>wear Depends? you'll only have to get out of van once a day
???>>>>>>to change them.
PLEASE TELL ME THAT THIS IS A JOKE. Even as a joke it turns my stomach to even think about this.....sitting it human waste all day just because someone is to lazy to actually stop to "go" is about as pitiful as i have ever seen!!!!!!.
Joke or not, sorry.... but it makes me ashamed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YYYUUUUUUUUUUUUUUKKKKKKKKKKKKK
again, sorry but its things like this that give drivers a bad name and image........especially image.
???>>>>too many public toilets and we're not incontinent. Why not
???>>>>>wear Depends? you'll only have to get out of van once a day
???>>>>>>to change them.
PLEASE TELL ME THAT THIS IS A JOKE. Even as a joke it turns my stomach to even think about this.....sitting it human waste all day just because someone is to lazy to actually stop to "go" is about as pitiful as i have ever seen!!!!!!.
Joke or not, sorry.... but it makes me ashamed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YYYUUUUUUUUUUUUUUKKKKKKKKKKKKK
again, sorry but its things like this that give drivers a bad name and image........especially image.