Which is better?

[ali]

Hi,

I have a few ?'s about some things. I'm doing this for my father-in-law so I'm not sure exactly how to word all this stuff.
He's looking to try out the expediting with Tri-State, but wants a van or sprinter instead of a straight truck.

1. Which is better ~ Van or Sprinter? If van which one? Ford, GMC, Chevy or Dodge.

2. Which has better gas mileage? Aprox. how many miles to the gal.?

3. Aprox. what is avg. wkly bring home before all expenses?

4. Aprox. what is avg. bring home after expenses?

I know these questions depend on alot of things, but we're just trying to get a ball park figure.

Thanks in advance for any info given.

 

[greg334]

Ali

I drive a 1999 GMC G3500 Diesel, my fuel mileage is about 17 MPG and the cost per mile is 48¢. This cost includes everything to run the van and business but not wages or food.

My intake is average 70¢ per mile, sometimes better.

My average miles per month is 7000 but that may change for the better or worst.

What is better is a hard to answer question. The sprinter has some advantages over the ford and gm products (mileage, payload, size) but the biggest disadvantage is the price. I would recommend looking at each vehicle and getting quotes for a new van even if you plan on buying a used one.

Also it all depends on what you expect, I mean I live in a cramp space and try to devote as much as possible to the freight, which is something others refuse to do. I am used to working in small spaces, like communications wiring closets, so having 150 cubic feet of living space is not an issue. But others want to most of the van as living space. I economize with my food and other things, I guess I am cheap.

 

[Broompilot]

Now start asking the $ question.


Have you inquired and actually talked with Van Operators that are making a good living doing this?

Do not get in until you know the #s, the talk I am hearing is not positive but there are exceptions and I do know of a couple of people doing well. For the most part though you better find out for yourself.

 

[LDB]

If I were going to a van my first choice would be an Aerocell. Not the SRW but the full Aerocell in whatever the maximum size is to stay at 9999 pounds gross. That should give you a cargo area as long as a Sprinter but much wider. It could be built out to be a very very comfortable unit.

Next I'd go to either a Sprinter or Aerocell SRW. I would have to look at the SRW to be sure it would be a coin toss to the Sprinter. It may not offer the interior room and may belong as a coin toss to a standard Ford/GM. The Sprinter is definitely in position two because it offers much more interior room than Ford/GM. You could have a much more comfortable build out in the Sprinter. I would only do a 3500 Sprinter and have the wheelwells modified by Harris Truck to allow skids to slide between them.

My last tier would be Ford/GM because of interior space. They offer the least space available for build out. I'm stuck on comfort so that is a big issue to me. Some are fine in this size and if it works for you they are a good choice as well.

Fuel mileage is probably going to run in the 16-18mpg range on the Aerocell, 20-22mpg range on the Sprinter and 16-18mpg range on the Ford/GM with all being diesel versions.

I don't have data for miles/money so I'll leave that part alone. Good luck to you.

Leo Bricker
OOIDA 677319
truck 4958
73's K5LDB
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.