Cargo van Info

nelco35565 · Feb 3, 2005

Hi Folks!

I am interested in getting into the expediting field and am wanting to purchase a cargo van. Reason is 2 things. I don't want to buy a big truck until I see if I like it and another is cost. As much as I like the sprinters they are just out of my price range. My question is - Are any of the other cargo vans (Ford, Chevy, Dodge) any better than the others and do any of them offer sleeper conversions, I recently saw a sprinter sleeper and liked it. Thanks for your input.

Crazynuff · Feb 3, 2005

There's another post in this forum regarding sleeper legality . Looks to me like you can't have a legal sleeper in a cargo van . Dodge quit making cargo vans when the Sprinter came out . Ford has been the most popular because diesels are more economical that gas engines . Chevy diesels used to be unreliable but the new Chevy Duramax engine is a good engine . From what I hear it's better than the new version of the Ford Powerstroke which is giving people problems . Even though cargo vans cost less than a larger unit it's still quite a bit of money to invest to see if you'll like expediting or not . Keep reading these boards and talk to recruiters . You may be disappointed in what you earn running solo in a cargo van unless you really like to run hard .

ACE · Feb 3, 2005

I Have nothing but Ford vans and straight trucks. The vans are all gas engines 5.4L. They are very dependable and I will continue to purchase Fords in the future. I only use 1-ton [E350]because they are built heavy enough to go the miles.
When I entered the business with Roberts Express I joined with a van because I could sell a van easier than a large truck if things did not work out.
Good Luck.

Preacher · Feb 3, 2005

A cargo van can have a sleeper as long as the GVWR is under 10,001lbs. Sleeper regulations do not apply to any vehicle under 10,001lbs GVWR. If you are expediting with a van, you'll want to stay under that threshold weight anyway so that you won't have to log.

merkurfan · Feb 4, 2005

I've been running the extended ford van (e350) with the powerstroke. That engine just turned 300,000 on the way back from new york. Still runs like new. I'd suggest looking for one due to the fuel economy (19-22 MPG) compaired to gas and the durability of a diesel. The 5.4 is bullet proof for gas. The 4.2 V6 is junk (you find it in 150 and 250's). I *strongly* suggest what ever van you buy, get the extended, more room, more cargo, more money.
I stopped at a chevy dealer and laid my eyes on a new 05 extended 1 ton for 19,500.. I would have owned it if they would have taken my ford in trade (not gonna find a way to get two vans 900 miles..) but they flat out refused. Well, they said they would "dispose" of it for free.
I have the bunk behind my seats. It is a fold down and is 24 inches. It can only be folded down with the front seats slid ALL the way forward (to save on cargo room) It works for me. but I am only 5'10. I've offten looked at that empty passanger seat and thought I should just pull it out for more space for clothing and what not. Maybe stick a microwave in. Then someone ends up sitting in it for a while.

I am very sceptical of the sprinters. I have heard to many bad things about the drive train. However, a "dodge" one ton extended is the longest van made. I had a 91 I ran for a while that was 12 or 13 feet deep, it was huge. It also had a bad drinking problem (read 360 gas v8) I think dodge made their own vans up until 02, if you can find one with a 318 it should be fairly good on gas.

Also chevy made vans up until the early 00's with the 6.5 turbo diesel. Their shortfall is lack of oil capacity. 8 quarts. My stroker holds 4 and a half gallons. (oil is the life blood of a diesel)

theoldprof · Feb 4, 2005

Hey, merkurfan.

A new 05 1 ton extended Chevy van for $19,500? Did it have an engine in it? I scrounged up a quote from my Chev dealer. $26,400 was my "A" buyer price. How did you find a deal like this? Thanks. :+ :+

Crazynuff · Feb 4, 2005

I know there has been a lot of publicity about 15 passenger extended vans and it makes them very hard to insure . I don't know if this affects the cargo versions at all . The big commercial lots do give very good prices .

Twmaster · Feb 4, 2005

Wow. $19.5K for a new 1 ton X is nice.

That price is not too far from believable. When I was pricing a new '04 2500HD Express the local commercial dealer gave me a great price of $17K.

--
Mike N

Faster than a speeding poulet.

Owner/Operator Big 'B'
Experienced
10 years auto transport
2 years local/distance expedite
Laurel, MD (Washington DC area)

merkurfan · Feb 4, 2005

I just found one locally, a 05 savanna, 6.0 V8 (wish it was the 5.3) power option package, basically everything but a cd or cassette player, even had a cargo devider. They had 21,500 on the tag but quickly dropped to 20 when I mentioned I had no trade and about 4000 down. Ford however still wants 32 for a one ton diesel.

Insuring a cargo van is not as hard as the passanger versions. Also GM (chevy/gmc) vans are extended in the center of the van, not behind the rear axle. Better balance of the load, but I would think a bit harder to get around a corner. The old dodge vans have roughly 3.5-4 feet behind the rear wheels. Gotta make sure the load is placed right.

I might end up back at that GMC dealer for that van. I have to decide if I want to change carriers. Panther is signing vans again, and my Ford is new enough. Not sure what to do just yet.