Van choice
- Thread starter rdtrpn
- Start date
Firstly, cargo weight capacity is suitable for a 2000 - 2500 pound "B" load in each of the vans you mentioned. The biggest variable in each instance is the amount of weight the owner adds to the van for creature comfort and cargo containment. The cube van is capable of the most sleeper room followed by the Sprinter and Ford/Chevy/GMC. The best way to judge sleeper room is to look over several of the numerous custom configurations you'll find in each van type.
A visit to the Expediter Experience at MATS in March, and/or the Expediter Expo in July will allow you to meet many van operators and check out their sleepin arrangements.
A visit to the Expediter Experience at MATS in March, and/or the Expediter Expo in July will allow you to meet many van operators and check out their sleepin arrangements.
dhalltoyo
Veteran Expediter
Ditto with Terry's input.
One consideration with the cube van will be how the chassis and cargo box are configured.
Some will have a pass through area from the driver's area into the cargo box and others will not.
The reason many of these units were built without the pass through areas was due to carrier rules regarding Hazmat loads. Some carriers require a sealed bulkhead to carry Hazmat freight.
Yes, it does afford an owner more load opportunities, but trying to sleep while straddling two bucket seats is not very comfortable; especially considering the limited number of Hazmat load offers.
Additionally, most of the "in stock" cube vans sitting at dealerships seem to be on a chassis with dual rear wheels. You will want to make sure that such vans are rated below 10,001 GVWR.
Cube vans are also the least aerodynamic of the bunch; hence, reduced fuel economy. Moreover, if they are on chassis with dual rear wheels that configuration will also decrease your fuel economy.
One consideration with the cube van will be how the chassis and cargo box are configured.
Some will have a pass through area from the driver's area into the cargo box and others will not.
The reason many of these units were built without the pass through areas was due to carrier rules regarding Hazmat loads. Some carriers require a sealed bulkhead to carry Hazmat freight.
Yes, it does afford an owner more load opportunities, but trying to sleep while straddling two bucket seats is not very comfortable; especially considering the limited number of Hazmat load offers.
Additionally, most of the "in stock" cube vans sitting at dealerships seem to be on a chassis with dual rear wheels. You will want to make sure that such vans are rated below 10,001 GVWR.
Cube vans are also the least aerodynamic of the bunch; hence, reduced fuel economy. Moreover, if they are on chassis with dual rear wheels that configuration will also decrease your fuel economy.
You might also make engine availability a factor in your decision . If you want a diesel , Ford is not going to put the new 6.4 diesel in any E-series . They will use the 6.0 until the supply runs out . The 6.0 has been very problematic and caused Ford to repurchase many vehicles under the lemon law . You didn't mention a Chevy but the Duramax diesel is now available in Chevy vans and it is a very good engine . I know several hotshotters with many problem free miles on Duramax engines .
dhalltoyo
Veteran Expediter
Yes, the Duramax is a good engine.
Just keep in mind that it adds 700lbs of additional weight to the chassis.
When considering the Aerocell SRW with a Duramax, full fuel tanks, a bunk, personal items and the driver, the cargo carrying capacity will be markedly diminished.
Just keep in mind that it adds 700lbs of additional weight to the chassis.
When considering the Aerocell SRW with a Duramax, full fuel tanks, a bunk, personal items and the driver, the cargo carrying capacity will be markedly diminished.
CharlesD
Expert Expediter
The Sprinter definitely is a bit costly. I paid 40k for my '07. I got the extended version. I used about 42" for my sleeper (built it myself) and left 12 feet for cargo. When I built the sleeper, I took out the steel bulkhead that was in there and build another wall where I wanted it out of wood. The wall I built weighed just a bit less than the steel wall I removed, so the only real added weight was the bed, which I made from plywood and 2x4s. When all was said and done, I can still legally carry about 2700 pounds, but I rarely go that heavy. The biggest advantage I've found with the Sprinter is the cargo volume with the higher roof. I get a lot of tall skids that wouldn't fit in the shorter vans.