I sick and tired of my stuff getting wet in my truck. Are vans better for construction? Which vans do you use?
Thanks, Ace
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Hi ACECAN , well in england it rains alot so builders here mainly use vans.I work as a timber frame carpenter so from time to time i need to transport large timbers from my workshop to the site so i use a large twin wheel open trailer. this gives you the protection of a van but the openness of a truck.
Step up to a step van.....yeah, those vans that look like UPS vans.
Not only can you get a unit of 2x4's in it, with well designed shelves and bins, it's like a rolling tool / parts room......
That you can stand up in......(no more crawling on your knees!)
And nary a raindrop on your head!
I've had one for over ten years......killer stereo, coffee maker, laptop port, raingear hanging up, books, anything but the children!
Where did you find your step van? New or used? Has it held up well? I ask for I am looking but have been unable to find one.Help would be appreciated.
Used, 1976 chevy, w/ a ten foot cargo..........perfect.
I've owned my step-van for over 10 years now. 2 engines, 3 transmissions, double springs........You name it, I've replaced it. I'm on my 3rd captains chair. The next one will have heat! All aluminum body, never will rust. Plan to keep it 'till some subur-suv takes me out!
I found my though one of those truck trader mags.......Others have decided to follow logic rather than style and have reported they found their's by letting wholesalers know what they what and be ready to buy.
As with anything I want, put the word out, be specific, these things have a way of finding YOU!
I dunno if this is what you're looking for but my local UHaul had a bunch of vans parked out front with giant "For Sale - 1/2 price" signs on them. I suppose these were more box trucks than step vans.
Funny you should mention that - I was kinda thinking the same thing as I was reading through this thread.
I'm surprised that more contractors don't have box trucks like U-hauls/Ryders. I once was involved in buying a 5 year old Ryder for about $9,000. (For a on-profit recycling center) It was in decent shape and has required very little maintenance.
Sounds like it would sure be cheaper than a dually 4X4 - Aren't they about $30,000 new? Lots of storage/hauling room, and it's covered.
I know it wouldn't work for everybody, but it seems like a good idea to me.
The gene pool could use a little chlorine.
I think the biggest hassle is that they're up higher off the ground, which makes it more of a pain to load heavy or large items. I think the UHaul by me had 'em starting at like $5k. Not bad. Though they're probably 20 year old toyotas with 500,000 miles on them.
I've rented from U-Haul several times and have come to the conclusion that their fleet is nothing but a huge pile of accidents just looking for a place to happen. If U-Haul has deemed any truck unworthy, then it's only worth the price it can bring as scrap metal.
Now Ryder is a different story. I knew a couple guys that have used old Ryder trucks for years.
Scott R.
Personally I prefer a truck for several reasons. Mostly I hate crawling around inside a van to unload and load tools. With a good cap using built in toolboxes I have quick access to all my tools right at the side of the truck. Also with a truck I can carry all sorts of materials and drop the gate for long items when necessary, with a van the rear door needs to stand open. That is just not a very appealing option when the weather is not accommodating.
Vans don't boost egos like a (pick your make) one ton dually jacked up 4x4 diesel quad cab with loud pipes can. That said, I have a ford van and a 4 cyl ranger. I like a step van to work from, but rather drive a regular long wheel base regular full size. But get a window in the passenger side door. It's scary driving with mirrors all the time.
I think it is all in the application. It would be tough to tow my 28' gooseneck with equipment and materials to the job site with a van, but I do have a former United Van Lines straight truck with a 26' van body that houses most of my tools. The truck gets places at the job site and nothing gets wet.
JMM
I had the same problems in my business so I went out and boucht a 12 foot cargo trailer and outfitted it with shelving and racks that I designed and built myself. I find as a remodeling contractor that I usually leave the trailer at the job except for on weekends when I'm trying to finish the honey-doo list. I spent 2000$ for the trailer and 300$ for the wood to build the shelving. The best part is when I go to lunch I'm not taking 10,000$ and 2000#'s of tools with me. That's worked great for me and I'll never go any other route aside from getting the tandem axle trailer next time. Good luck!
I just switched from a van to a pickup and am never going back. I did this with the plan to buy a 7 x 14 trailer this year yet to set up as a parts and big tool trailer. I have a crossover toolbox and 2 side toolboxes plus the pipe rack. I carry all my basic tools on the truck.