Just got a 99 E350 extended cargo van, and need build/buy shelving and storage racks.
I’ve seen alot of great ideas on here for trailer setups, and wondered what all the van drivers have done.
Our van will be setup for mostly repair work. Some carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and painting, etc.
TIA
Replies
I custom built shelves out of plywood. I made a template to fit against the curved walls, and used that to route one side of the plywood. Made the other edge plumb.
I figured everything that needed to go in there. Then custom built cubby holes and shelves for toolboxes, tools, and supplies. I used angle iron to screw to the van's floor and upper beam, and screwed the plywood uprights to the slotted angle iron.
Glued and screwed everything together, sort of like a face frame cabinet. Pretty rigid, and no racking. A lip on the shelves helps keep things on the shelves, but I also have bungees trying to hold it all in. It works most of the time.
I'm on the second evolution, and will probably do a third sometime, using more plastic bins for some tools and supplies. Maybe even some nicer plywood, or even just use slotted angle iron for the uprights. Someday.
I need a bigger van, too.
I kept the shelves elevated above the wheel wells, so I can still fit 4' sheet goods between the wells when needed. Not often, but nice to be able to do it.
Since I'm a Handyman, I have just about everything in there. Probably too much at times.
The trick is getting things organized so you don't have to move one or two things to get to the item you need. And, if it's organized, try to put things back after each use.
Pete Duffy, Handyman
http://www.americanvan.com/ This place sells all kinds of shelving. They are a great company. They ship everywhere.
I have a 08' f250 and I thought maybe I shoulda bought a van instead. Then I drove in a van with a plumber friend and couldn't believe the noise. Try to insulate the partition between you and the storage.
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
Ha ha. The noise makes the ride. My partner hates riding in my van ('04 E250). He says it's like riding a thousand miles in a Conastoga rover wagon across the plains with a couple of dozen pots and pans banging around in a pile of tin plates. I finally lined all the drawers and shelves with carpeting, and don't have anything swinging from hooks. That helped a little but the dozens of coffee cans filled with screws and nails can't be muffled very well.
Good thoughts!
How do I go about catching Sphere's attention?
I hear ya...LOL
I have a GMC and do a little of everything nowadays.
I second American Van. Start with a Jet Rack for step ladder inside storage..it is sweet and customers just love it. Makes ya look smart, cuz after all, you still need to fabricate a few bits of it.
Then I highly recommend the floor drawer units , I was really lucky and bought mine used from Gunner here on BT..I have the 4 drawer unit at the back doors..they even work to set a chopsaw on or as a quick saw horse, and hold an incredible amount of stuff.
II then built a matching height set of two that acess from the side doors ( I have bat wing, a slider might be harder work with).
This all raises the actual floor up only about 6'' and leaves a well between the box units that can be filled with low milk crates, or what have you. I then just made two almost full length shelves on the drivers side that hold all the cases of everything with a cord..the top shelf is for levels , straight edges, not often used boxes of fastners and short lengths of mouldings and stuff.
An air hose reel is mounted on the back of that shelf..80' of hose..30 of the rubberhose that came with the reel, and a detatchable 50' of flexeel. Handy to just use a whip from the comp( in the van, electric) to the reel..and pull out what ya need and then zip it back in..flexeel is nasty MoFo to keep neat in a van. The reel is the only way I'd even use it any more on site.
I really cheeped out on the ladder racks..just antennae wall brackets bolted to the roof with rubber washers and 3/4" galv pipe with a cap on each end..I don't often haul much more than a 24' ladder and extendable walk board, but have had 2 28's and the walk board AND a few planks..the ant. mounts will squash if ya don't use your head..don't ask.
If it warms and I get it kinda cleaned out, I 'll get a pic. Right now, it's jammed. Oh, a Ryobi Tablesaw and stand sits on the sid door opening box, chopsaw and comp at the rear doors..and my wife sewed up pocketed tool rolls that hang from the back doors too..
One ton GMC, and I am packed to gills , but I can direct anyone to any tool from memeory, as long as it was pu back where it was supposed to live.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
>>>>One ton GMC, and I am packed to gills , but I can direct anyone to any tool from memeory, as long as it was pu back where it was supposed to live.<<<<
That sums up exactly how I want this van to be (and stay).
Good luck with that "And Stay" part. That is the hardest if anyone else tries to "Help" you pack up, or if you get caught in a hurry up, its gonna rain type deal.
I am my own worst enemy tho' I always want what I need at my finger tips, and sometimes getting all that required for one task just where I want it to be, muddles up the previous plan.
Learn to live with change, and keep your memory as sharp as your tools, and it works a lot better.
Lucky for me, the majority of tools are geared around finish trim, and some soldering and forming tools for copper work. I don't do much framing, and Ele.&Plumbing tools only when I know they are needed and those totes with the lids are the best for that stuff I have found.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
>>>>Good luck with that "And Stay" part. That is the hardest if anyone else tries to "Help" you pack up, or if you get caught in a hurry up, its gonna rain type deal.<<<<
LOL I usually fall victim the 5:00 pm Friday, "Just throw it all in and I'll straigten it out over the weekend."
Speaking of the totes, I was thinking of starting out with several of them in the van to keep everything relatively oragainzed, while we fine tune what needs to be in it. Then build storage around that. We'll see how that goes.
Just think like building a dog house, first, measure the dog.
Totes, crates, cases..speed of need. Keep crawling to a minimum, and never forget that when you are doing 70 mph, so is everything else inside.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
talk to sphere
.
two ways to screw up concrete 1) concrete driver 2) concrete finisher
90589.1 (DonCanDo done did these)
View Image
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Is that a work van or a hearse?
Coroners Dept. is my guess.
Four in the rear and a couple of short ones in the side doors...........[email protected]
Is that a work van or a hearse?
Yes. It is.View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Looks like you operate a funeral home.
Looks like you operate a funeral home.
Yeah, I do - for customers who are late on paying, and smart alec posters. May they rest in peace.
View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Edited 1/25/2008 8:53 pm by Huck
I'm smart but my names not alec. ;-)
That's my van you're mocking. And yeah, it does sort of look like 4 morgue drawers, but since each one is only about 4' deep, I can only handle really short people.
Was hoping you'd come along - I didn't want to disclaim ownership so that these disrespectful young whippersnappers who claim to be so smart but ain't smart enough to pay attention to who's rig they're dissing, and ain't smart enough or got enough cojones to post their rig, might think I was in any kind of agreement or sympathy with their inane pseudo-observations!
- Huck (who did give the devil his due for dem dat can read!)View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
I have an E150 that came with a shelving and drawer package. The things I don't like are:
The noise
Nothing is the right size for what I have.
On rough roads and just the right bump, light items get catapulted out of the shelves.
I need to reconfigure things, soundproof them and put everything in a container, a drawer or behind some kind of door.
At the rate I'm going, it'll be time for a new van before I get this one set up.
I posted about van organization before and someone told me about:
http://www.amazon.com/Toolbox-Book-Craftsmans-Cabinets-Storage/dp/1561582727/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1201093562&sr=8-1
It has a really neat van setup in it.
9engel,
I do similar work.....question on van use.....do you haul/pick up sheet goods or materials?
TN
This is my trailer, but some of it is applicable to a van setup as well.Constantly changing of course, always trying to improve - usually after a large job...Recently picked up an Adrian Steel van storage unit - without much modification - able to put it right in the front of the trailer - works out great. I've cut off the locking door on the bottom though - don't need it for my setup. If anyone has an Adrian steel unit that you'd like a locking door for, you can have if you want to pay for shipping. have the key from it. Should be a bolt on - very simple.I built a sheet goods rack on the left and can carry about 8-9" of 4x8 sheets of whatever - handy to always have some drywall/plywood with me.The table saw is on a Ridgid stand - stays on the rear right of the trailer at all times, the mitersaw is a Bosch cordless that hangs underneath of the Dewalt stand. When I need my slider, I just set it on the floor - don't carry it with me at all times.It's a 5x10 WellsCargo - seems to hold just about everything you'd need for most trades.Julian
Edited 1/23/2008 10:24 am ET by JulianTracy
Where did you get the hanging tool pouch in this pic? I don't see my wife making me one.
Seems like a great way to keep those smaller items accesible.
Those are kindof cool - and very well made. They are made by the case logic company - I think they go by the name of Space logic organizers.I've seen them at Sears and also at pepboys.They have wire reinforced pockets to keep them from getting too floppy. They have quite the selection and have a lifetime warranty.JT
>>>>I do similar work.....question on van use.....do you haul/pick up sheet goods or materials?<<<<
I'm sure I will be, I liked peteduffy's elevated shelves (if i understand correctly) allowing transporting sheet goods flat. I figured I'd have to put the sheets on edge leaning up against the shelves, which I didn't like to much.
I've been SLOWLY outfitting my e250 recently and finally. It's not done and may well be an ever evolving project.
I will take some pics for you on the chance that you may get some inspiration. I will try to get to it tomorrow if not, soon.
On the sheet goods thing...........everyone has their preference.
The question and the need is whether you need to PICK UP sheet goods.
I need to pick them up and bring them to the job, maybe once or twice a week, mostly less, thus they are only in my van temporarily. Boss has a p/u he can do runs and we rely heavily on lumber yard delivery for larger quantities.
I am not a sheet goods delivery service where I am picking up and delivering sheet goods on a daily basis.
I prefer to have a clear walk through aisle with shelves on either side. I can load sheet goods standing up and pinch them with a stick or a load bar to get them where I need to go. It's a temporary situation.
I would never design a van layout around laying sheet goods flat on the floor. Most guys I see doing this end up with a clutterflick on the floor and can't find it to put in those sheet goods.
My 2 cents.
Eric
[email protected]
Unless your 5' 3" tall and build a 2x6 platform as the base of the system. I do tend to collect junk occasionally, but it works great sliding material off of the orange store carts.
but it works great sliding material off of the orange store carts.
I tend to try not to honor the orange alphabet; instead, my local supplier. They deliver, or will help me load if I need it, and there ain't an orange cart to be found in the yard.
If you/I had a Sprinter, I might understand these 'floor systems' better. But with little headroom to spare in a van and lots of wall space to store stuff, why diminish it? I just got out of the p/u with the cap.............[email protected]
factory shelves /bins are made for plumbers and electricians.
don't work at all for carps / remodelers.
kept them in the last van ... cause they looekd so nice ... and hated them on a daily basis ... our tools and cases just don't fit.
useless.
One thing I'd never go without though is a nice bulkhead.
either factory or home made.
right now have a box van, so it's not an issue ...
but if I went back to a regular van I'd get an adrian steel or similar bulkhead with the sliding door ... last one has the swing door ... OK .. but most of the time it was blocked closed ... a slider would make for quicker long material loading.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
9ENGEl
I took 8 pictures but I can't figure out how to resize them. sorry
If anyone can help me with direction I would appriecate it.
Rich
http://forums.taunton.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&msg=99155.1
http://forums.taunton.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&msg=24441.116
http://forums.taunton.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&msg=98679.1
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
IMERC
Thanks I am trying picasa.
Watch next post.
Rich
I am a remodeling contractor, I am known for having any tool you could need. Although I would like a trailer setup in the future; Here's my setup now:
98 E250
underfloor level and straight edge storage
adrian steel bulkhead
4 adrian steel cabinets, 2 with hinged galv steel doors
custom steel caged cabinet in rear
custom galv shelving unit at side door
weather guard ladder rack
This system fits my tools very well. nothing moves. Invest in good bungie cords and alot of them. All shelves have bungies behind them so smaller cases cannot fall behind. Milkcrates are worth their weight in gold. kinda funny you can't get them legally, or can you? I think my most valuable upgrade though was to have a keyless entry system installed. My next upgrade is to make a cargo area lighting system...gotta find some decent 12v lights first.
gk
LEGAL MILK CRATES...Yes, you can buy them from Film Tools. The movies use a lot of them.Try...<http://www.filmtools.com/milk-crates.html>The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
My next upgrade is to make a cargo area lighting system...gotta find some decent 12v lights first.@@@Check out West Marine or any good RV store. I tossed the interior lights that came with my E150 and installed marine halogen dome lights from West.Driver and passenger both got bright reading lights. Swivel light over the computer work station, domes at side and rear door. Installed a small marine 12v panel in the work station the manage the circuits in the back.Good 12v fluorescents (RV) work very well. Have had them on the boat for years and we have a lot of light below. LEDs are not quite there yet, but will be.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
Thanks Toolbear, Those are both really good websites. I don't know about paying $20 a crate. I usually get them from garage sales in the summer. I got some once from a party store by asking the night clerk if I could buy them off him. He told me the delivery company charged the store $3 a crate for replacement. I told him I would pay $5 so I got 4 for $20. He doesn't work there anymore though...hopefully not because of me. I especially like the crate haulers at filmtools.com. I wouldn't pay the prices that the movie industry does but I could make them. Before I got the van I intended to get a 12' enclosed trailer with a rampdoor. I was going to make four steel cage carts using the running gear from a garden wagon. They would each be lockable and would chain together as well as to the inside of the trailer. I saw some similar on one of those TLC channel redesign shows. They were all the same height and acted like work benches onsite. They probably got them from a place like filmtools.....for about $1200 each. I could build them for less than $200 each.I'd like to learn more about your "computer workstation". Is it like a Jottodesk or is it more custom. I thought about putting a computer station in my van but I figured it wasn't worth it as I rarely have time to use my computer while at work. When I do need it I just set it up on a work bench or the table saw. gk
Dumpster diver that I am I was driving by a local Mom & Pop store on trash pickup day and saw a stack of milk crates and coca cola crates ( the 6" or so high ones) waiting for the trash truck. The milk crates were from non-descript dairies that I have never heard of. Figure I saved them from the land fill.
I have a couple of commercial "legal" ones and can not rememger if they came from Target or an office supply place. Pretty sure you can get some sturdy ones for reasonable. Office Depot has a folding one with wheels and handle but they are not all that heavy IIRC.
I'd like to learn more about your "computer workstation". Is it like a Jottodesk or is it more custom. I thought about putting a computer station in my van but I figured it wasn't worth it as I rarely have time to use my computer while at work. When I do need it I just set it up on a work bench or the table saw.@@@I work down in SoCal in the winters and spend summers on my boat in the N. Wet. The van doubles as work van and mini RV and we camp our way north and south each season. Therefore, no tool-specific built-ins. All is dual purpose. Behind the front seats is a "foyer" with a work station behind the driver seat. The work station is something I whumped out of 1/2 ply - scribed the sides to fit the wall contours. It's like a hutch with a storage shelf over and storage under. I should take a snap of it. A lid folds down to make a desk. Plop the laptop down, connect the cell phone to the ext. antenna lead and get on line - assuming a Verizon signal. The seat is a 5g bucket with lid/seat. Behind the foyer is a king size bed platform with 54 CF of storage under. In winter there are buckets for caulk, painting, basic electrical, etc. lashed to the left wall. Ladder and such are on the platform. Misc. tools under.The bags and stuff for the day's work goes in the foyer. I use a Rubbermaid Brute 32g trash can to hold a bucket organizer with my bags on top. The Brutes make good storage containers. We have one on the roof on this mansard job. It has been raining for a week and the stuff inside is dry. On some jobs I use my folding handtruck/platform wagon (now a permanent platform wagon) with two milk crates on one end, one on the other, space between for a ladder, compressor, whatever. It fits across the foyer and lashes in place. Easy in and out.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
Those are both really good websites. I don't know about paying $20 a crate. I usually get them from garage sales in the summer. I got some once from a party store by asking the night clerk if I could buy them off him. He told me the delivery company charged the store $3 a crate for replacement. I told him I would pay $5 so I got 4 for $20. He doesn't work there anymore though...hopefully not because of me.@@@Yes, the original printout I had dated 2006 had them for about 16.00 each. Inflation. But these do not have those tedious warnings and dairy names emblazoned across them <g>.Nifty carts, eh? Reflected in the movie ticket prices?The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
9ENGEL
Here is my van. It's a 2001 E-250 extended.
I am a remodeling repair business with my 2 sons. We also have a 1994 E250 set up in a earlier version of this.
all storage shelfs are angled about 15 to 20 degrees. Yeah stuff will fall out if the driving is really rough. Frozen jobsite. But normally everything stays in place.
I have a framing nailer and a shething stapler under the miter saw.
I carry first aid kit, electrical box, copper box, pex box.
Top shelf is for screws and nails. Small containers in the back are for commomly used nails and screws. On the top shelf next to the nails and screws are storage containers for driver bits, small tools (nail sets, offset screwdrivers ect), spade bits, misc screws, router bits.
I haul alot of my materials, so 4 x 8 or 4x 10 sheet will stand up right with a strap.
Craftsman tool box was about $400 and latches. It hold small tools(flat bars) and misc nail putty, tin shingles, drill bits ect.
Was -24 below F the morning of this picture. Can't wash vechiles for a while.
Rich
All
Well that didn't work. I'll try again later
Rich
9ENGEL
Here is my van. 2nd try. It's a 2001 E-250 extended.
I am a remodeling/ repair business with my 2 sons. We also have a 1994 E250 set up in a earlier version of this.
All storage shelfs are angled about 15 to 20 degrees. Yeah stuff will fall out if the driving is really rough. Frozen jobsite. But normally everything stays in place.
I have a framing nailer and a sheathing stapler under the miter saw.
I carry first aid kit, electrical box, copper box, pex box, sawsall, hammer drill, finish nailers und cut out tool in boxes. All other tools are loose.
Top shelf is for screws and nails. Small containers in the back are for commomly used nails and screws. On the top shelf next to the nails and screws are storage containers for driver bits, small tools (nail sets, offset screwdrivers ect), spade bits, misc screws, router bits.
I haul alot of my materials, so 4 x 8 or 4x 10 sheet will stand up right with a strap.
Craftsman tool box was about $400 and the drawers latche. It holds small tools(flat bars) and misc nail putty, tin shingles, drill bits ect.
Was -24 below F the morning of this picture. Can't wash vechiles for a while.
Rich
Hey, I like your tool chest...
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Allright, here's my setup.
Niether fully done or fully loaded but close.
I closed up the doors with spray painted masonite. Anything that goes into the doors is lost forever or will somehow get soaking wet and create a mess. I did the same thing to the large openings where windows would go in the Passenger version of the van. I hate "outy" dents on the side of the truck.
I built a 3/4" plywood bulk head behind the seats with a 1/2" plywood sliding door to effectively seal off dust/cold/heat/noise. The door tracks in a 1/2" aluminum track with a little help from some butchers wax. Wheather stripped too. Stays shut on it's own mostly. Use it mostly to look out the side windows in certain driving situations. I have plans to carpet the cab side to further reduce the noise.
Shelves are all HD cheapo 3/4" ply as are the verticals. Spent a "bit" of time scribing things as you can see. Plan to put some clear finish on it all when I get the time/warm day. It will all strip out in about 30 minutes, maybe 2x that to reinstall.
Still more work to be done.
View Image
[email protected]
Edited 1/25/2008 6:27 pm ET by EricPaulson
Edited 1/25/2008 6:28 pm ET by EricPaulson
Edited 1/25/2008 6:29 pm ET by EricPaulson
Edited 1/25/2008 6:30 pm ET by EricPaulson
Try again...........
[email protected]
Edited 1/25/2008 6:35 pm ET by EricPaulson
Edited 1/25/2008 6:35 pm ET by EricPaulson
Edited 1/25/2008 6:36 pm ET by EricPaulson
Edited 1/25/2008 6:37 pm ET by EricPaulson
Edited 1/25/2008 6:37 pm ET by EricPaulson
Oh yea got that Rigid Vac in there too...I love that thing :)
More.................
View Image
[email protected]
Edited 1/25/2008 6:39 pm ET by EricPaulson
Edited 1/25/2008 6:40 pm ET by EricPaulson
Edited 1/25/2008 6:41 pm ET by EricPaulson
Man that is one sweet set up. If I ever get a van I'm stealing all those ideas. Very nice work.
"Woke up quick, at about noon. Just knew that I had to be in Compton soon."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChIdFwQwoYM&feature=related
He done good. I silently thank you tho' everytime I open them drawers.
Wanna buy a slightly used chipper? Like, I used it once? (G)Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
Yea that drawer set up is as handy as a pocket on a shirt. My wood chipper days are over. I'm really happy with this wife. :)
"Woke up quick, at about noon. Just knew that I had to be in Compton soon."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChIdFwQwoYM&feature=related
Mine won't fit in the chute..:(Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
Chop and tamp.
"Woke up quick, at about noon. Just knew that I had to be in Compton soon."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChIdFwQwoYM&feature=related
Thanks G, I really appreciate that.
Having really muddled my way through it and not completing it yet to my satisfaction, it's good to hear words like that.
One of the guys I work with is the complete opposite of me van wise at least. He bought a nice new van and threw all his stuff on the floor= done. The cab is trashed full of dirt and coffee cups.
You should hear him in there cursing sometimes trying to get stuff out.
He doesn't "get" my set up. I don't "get" his.
But then, I'm a "little" nuerotic.[email protected]
I'm in between you and the other guy. My big problem is I get one job where I leave late of in a hurry and pile stuff in my truck. Then I never fix it. Got to work on that.
"Woke up quick, at about noon. Just knew that I had to be in Compton soon."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChIdFwQwoYM&feature=related
I leave late of in a hurry and pile stuff in my truck.
I'll finish it my way...........then I get to the next job and discover that I lost/left something on the last job.
I was taught early on that one of the best ways to not loose things is to have a place for it and put it back when you are done![email protected]
Eric
Now fess up. Those drop clothes are new.
Nobody gets drop clothes folded that neat.
Rich
Outstanding! That looks like a very efficient setup. But more importantly, it looks good :->
Instead of a clear finish on the shelving, consider painting it gray like you did with the door panels. I think that would make it look even more awesome.
The finish is still up in the air. I thought the same thing with the grey. I don't have spray capabilities so I would have to rattle it.
My original plan was to throw a couple of coats of shellac on it and be done quick and dirty.
Thanks for the compliment.[email protected]
I don't have spray capabilities
My tomcat say's he's got one up on you there. - Huck (who liked your rig also)View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
DonCan Do
Great minds think alike.
RichCanDo
Hey there I'm R.J. i'm an employee out of CT Here's my set up...i'm only 21 so its my first Van the next one i will do alot different. Heres the list of the majority of stuff that i've got in it.
Dewalt Small Air CompressorDewalt Big Air Compressor12" Chop Saw & StandRigid Table SawPower PlaneRouter and Palm RouterSawzallMakita 6Pc Lithium ionSkil Worm DriveMilwaukee Circ SawPorter Cable 6" saw bossMilwaukee hammer drillDewalt 15ga Finish NailerDewalt 18ga Brad NailerPorter cable 18ga Brad nailerBostich Framing, Roofing, Pin, Hanger, 1/4" stapler GunsPaslode angled Finish NailerDrywall toolsmilwaukee Angle GrinderDewalt 18v Drill6" Right angle sanderDewalt 5" ROSPorter Cable Mini Belt sanderPorter Cable 3x21 Belt sanderBiscuit JoinerMisc PlumbingEpoxy gunBosch 10.8V Driver and impactorDewalt Jig saw1/2" ingersall rand impact wrench4' Step ladderMakita Radio...somtimes Dewalt with XM alsoDremel toolDewalt spiral cutKreg Jig2 Folding saw horsesOut Feed table for Table saw4 Halogen Lights2', 4', and 78" levelsCrowbars8 4' pipe clamps8 2' bar clampstitebond hipurformerStripping ShovelSnow shovel Lots of cords/hosesMisc Hardware
I'm gonna try to post some pics but not sure if it'll work. The thing I did that i apprecieate the most is, that I put Plexi Glass over the divider and insulated around the bulk head, this helps on the heating and cooling in the cab ALOT!!! If you look closely i've got alot of stuff over head and its high enough that i can still slide sheet goods in, Just gotta move the table saw and 2 bags.
Nice!
What kind of mileage do YOU get?[email protected]
only about 12mpg luckily right now were only working 5 min from my house.
Hmmmmm...............I'm thinking I'm alot lighter than you, e250/4.6l.
I can't get 12. And I baby it big time.
Truck has low miles, driven by an older guy. I'm going to try diconnecting the battery to reset the transmission shifts to my style and geoghraphy. [email protected]
Yea its not terrible on gas can get like 340 Miles on a tank. Now that I let her warm up for 10 min during the winter its down to like 260mi to a tank. But i've got a 5.0 so its working hard but maybe not as hard. so it might just run more effecient...Shoulda gota Chevy :) lol
Hey RJ, nice looking rig for such a young guy. You must have had a great high school wood shop teacher at one time.
yea he wasn't very good with computers at the time...obvisouly hes better now...LOL see ya tomorrow
mudduk
Holy cow. You have more tools than I do and you're more than 1/2 my age.
Good job.
Got any kitchen sinks.
Rich
i'm only 21 so its my first Van the next one i will do alot different
Whoa, whoa, whoa! - a young guy with his own tools and a vehicle, who's planning on staying in this business - did you guys catch that? Post a picture of this guy (along with young Andy) in the Endangered Species room of the Tavern Museum!!!
BTW Mr. Duck - welcome to BT!! We could use a ('nuther) young buck, (er, duck) around here, to rattle this gaggle of geezers! Hope you stick around.
View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Edited 1/26/2008 8:52 am by Huck
Not to diss the youngen but while he said his van held all those tools he also said he was an employee. Could be they are his bosses? Even if they are he still sounds like a go getter and a prize!
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
Enjoyed the pix. Copied them to my ideas file. Very nicely organized and fully equipped. Even a set of Oxy bags.What size van was that? 250 or 350?I trust you have good alarms, insurance and such. That load-out will make someone a very happy crack head. They emptied my van where it was parked 50' from my bedroom, under a street light - and it had a fraction of your collection in it. $3,000 loss.Now I have a tool library in the house and only load what is needed for the day's work.The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
Its a 2500 never thought i'd have that much stuff, but next time will definatley be a 3500 maybe even an extended. Sounds like a bad start to the day finding out your tools are gone. Luckily i don't live anywhere near the street so I can only cross my fingers.
Check out http://www.bottusa.com I have an o8' Freightliner Sprinter on order & Bott will install the shelving, etc. They are extremly versitile in their capabilities & not too expensive, especially considerind the solid construction/options available. Good Luck!
Many thanks to everyone!!! Lots of great ideas that will save us alot of trial and error.
Extra thanks to those who posted pictures!!! I'm impressed with the level of creativity and workmanship!
I'll be sure to post pics as soon as we get ours setup, if it ever warms up around here.
I guess the next logical question is what do you do to keep those tools in the van, i.e. prevent theft.
what do you do to keep those tools in the van,
It of course will make a difference in your location. A few things will help everywhere.
Don't leave things out in the open-esp. on the front seat/floor/or other easily viewed area. Like a checkbook. Once in for that they may spend some time for the other stuff.
Don't drive your van everywhere-such as bars after work at nite. Be wary of big box parking lots, many stories of theft in minutes out there.
Park under lights in a visible part of any parking lot.
Keep the van locked.
Mark your tools in case of theft.
Get the security grills on any windows in the back-and lock that back up at the bulkhead. BUT, keep a key to that door in the back so you don't have to call someone to let you out once you bump the kid lock on the door.
INSURANCE>A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Calvin,I'd like to add to your post about how to KEEP the tools in the van.First, I think that tinting the rear windows really dark is a better investment than putting grills on. To me, grills act as a sign to thieves saying "van full of expensive tools" whereas dark tint is a risky toss up to a thief. If they cannot see inside then it could be full of tools or it could be totally empty. Besides, it always seemed to me that if the window were broken out, a thief could easily reach his fingers through the grill and pull up the lock pin to open the door.Second, I feel that the best $200 investment I have made in my van was to get remote locks. Running around locking doors at each gas station and lumberyard got frustrating and sometimes I forgot that I unlocked one only to find out days later. Now I have peace of mind that it is locked every time I leave it. Even for street parking at the jobsite I keep it locked. I have one of the remotes clipped to my toolbelt so it's no hassel if I need to run back out to the van and grab another tool. Third, I think it is important to not just mark tools but to photograph and catalog each and every tool you own. I take digital photos as soon as I can after buying a tool. My theory is that marks can wear off, be removed, or just be ignored; the chances of getting your stolen stuff back is slim; insurance companies are shady. But if needed, I intend on cashing in on my policy as easily as possible. Each photo is taken of the tools next to a clipboard that clearly shows a discription of the tool, the name of the manufacturer, the model number, and the serial number. I keep a copy of all the pics on my laptop HD and on a CD-RW that can be updated as needed. I will post a pic of what I mean.Last, I advise anyone not to BRAG. I brag a little on BT about what I have, just bought, or plan to buy. But anywhere else I just keep my mouth shut. When asked what I have, I usually just say I have "basic carpentry tools" or jokingly say "a hammer and a saw, should I have more?". I figure everyone has a little thief in them and I would just rather not peak any interests.Hope this helpsgk
Good post and good points all.
Having just set up my truck I went for the cut sheet window screens. Quite a bit of screem not cut in the area where the pop up button is, so that helps. I'm just trying to slow them down.
I think I may paint or limo the very rear windows. The side windows behind the passenger, I may just tint dark, but I do use them when backing out onto a street etc.
I was thinking of getting those puck locks but I'm not thrilled about drilling the truck full of holes. Plus I recall reading that the Ford vans you can just whack up the hinge pins or cut the hinges themselves. Cordless tools are not our friends in the wrong hands.
Eric[email protected]
All right, you guys have inspired me to post my van.It's a 2001 3500 Chevy Express I bought a few years ago. It was a passenger van to start with, but since vehicle theft is virtually unheard of here, that's ok.I ripped out all the seats, the floor, the side trim, the rear AC and blower, and the ceiling, all to make more room for my stuff.I finally finished the cabinets last week (except for the doors), and am still moving in, so it's a work in progress. I'm planning to cover the floor with something as soon as I can. The black rails you see on the floor are for the seats. I debated whether or not to remove them, but it's kind of nice to slide sheet goods on them. I can fit a full 12' of drywall flat on the floor. I'm planning on putting a partition of some kind behind the seats, both to keep the heat and AC in, as well as reduce noise and airborne dust.It took me about two years of on and off planning to arrive at this setup, and I'm really happy with it. If you have any suggestions, I'm ready for them!I tried to include some shots of the mounting hardware. The top is mounted right into the seat belt mounts.T.N.Edited 1/27/2008 1:27 pm ET by True North
Edited 1/27/2008 1:28 pm ET by True North
Very nice work, I can see you put some thought into it.[email protected]
Very nice.What kind of wood is that?B.Good is the enemy of Excellent. Talent is not necessary for Excellence.
Persistence is necessary for Excellence. And Persistence is a Decision.
9ENGEL
guess the next logical question is what do you do to keep those tools in the van, i.e. prevent theft.
Live in Iowa.
I never lock anything, except If I go to the big city. (Sioux City)
Rich
guess the next logical question is what do you do to keep those tools in the van, i.e. prevent theft.
Move to gods country, you know, north of the river, where all the city empoyees live.
Move to gods country, you know, north of the river, where all the city empoyees live.
It isn't Gods country unless it's surrounded by warm water or has mountains. Preferably both.
It isn't Gods country unless it's surrounded by warm water or has mountains. Preferably both.
Ok, I can't argue with that.
I remember driving into Sioux City years ago. Arived about 5:00 AM and all the stop lights were in flashing mode. I thought that was the funniest thing I had ever seen, but nobody broke into my car while I was there.