Box Trucks - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
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A bit of a bump, but also an observation and a question.
Observation: Somehow I got the idea that box trucks were pretty popular, but that isn't reflected in this thread. Hmmm.
Question: Assuming that the correct term for a box truck with a tall box is "high cube", is there any particular definition/specification for a high cube, for vertical box height?
Vagabound
Observation: Somehow I got the idea that box trucks were pretty popular, but that isn't reflected in this thread. Hmmm.
Question: Assuming that the correct term for a box truck with a tall box is "high cube", is there any particular definition/specification for a high cube, for vertical box height?
Vagabound
highdesertranger
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a standard box is 8.5 feet tall a high cube is 9.5 feet tall. highdesertranger
highdesertranger
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no that is the interior height of the box. also when I say standard that doesn't mean everybody plays by the same rules. highdesertranger
highdesertranger said:
Understand the lack of standardization. That said, something isn't right here because lots of U-Haul/Penske/Ryder trucks have interior box heights much shorter than 8.5 feet. Actually, I'd venture to say that none of them are that high.
U-Haul: For some reason, it is blocking my access.
Penske (the only one I could get to): http://www.pensketruckrental.com/moving-trucks/
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djkeev
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I don't have a box truck camper and honestly would never consider one.
I've driven my fair share of trucks during the time I've dwelt upon this earth and I honestly never cared for the ride comfort, ride height thus ease of entry and exit, interior cab space, etc. not one of them.
Then, lets talk fuel mileage?!?! Well down in the single digits.
When I travel, I don't want to fight a truck, worry about bridge heights and restrictions.
When I fill up I don't want to feel bankrupt!
My Dodge giving me 16mpg is bad enough! Especially when compared to my 49mpg Prius!
I want a comfortable ride that allows me to tilt my seat back, set the cruise and enjoy a smooth ride. No truck ever gave me that experience.
But, to each their own. I'm also not living in my Van so the living space that a truck provides may be a very welcome thing.
Dave
I've driven my fair share of trucks during the time I've dwelt upon this earth and I honestly never cared for the ride comfort, ride height thus ease of entry and exit, interior cab space, etc. not one of them.
Then, lets talk fuel mileage?!?! Well down in the single digits.
When I travel, I don't want to fight a truck, worry about bridge heights and restrictions.
When I fill up I don't want to feel bankrupt!
My Dodge giving me 16mpg is bad enough! Especially when compared to my 49mpg Prius!
I want a comfortable ride that allows me to tilt my seat back, set the cruise and enjoy a smooth ride. No truck ever gave me that experience.
But, to each their own. I'm also not living in my Van so the living space that a truck provides may be a very welcome thing.
Dave
highdesertranger
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the reason the rental companies who cater to people moving have shorter boxes it's because they are not designed for pallets. that is also why I said not everybody plays be the same rules. highdesertranger
djkeev: You said, "I'm also not living in my Van so the living space that a truck provides may be a very welcome thing." Now you've put your finger exactly on it. Were it not for that, I'd agree completely.
HDR: Ahhh ... and the clouds part. Heck, that presents a bit of a dilemma because the moving companies are the source for probably 80% of the used box trucks. Not counting ones and twos here and there, who/what kind of company might have lots of high-cubes in their inventory (and so, end up selling them)? Just trying to figure out where to look (online first).
Thanks,
Vagabound
HDR: Ahhh ... and the clouds part. Heck, that presents a bit of a dilemma because the moving companies are the source for probably 80% of the used box trucks. Not counting ones and twos here and there, who/what kind of company might have lots of high-cubes in their inventory (and so, end up selling them)? Just trying to figure out where to look (online first).
Thanks,
Vagabound
(Thread on CPR ... hurry, somebody call 911!) ;-0
OK, maybe this will get some blood pumping ...
If the magic line with box trucks (or other vehicles) in terms of GVWR is 10,000 lbs. (less = good; more = bad), let's talk about what that really means.
If someone has a box truck, say 16', that is 13,000 lbs, what does that really mean in the life of the owner / driver?
How much of a pain in the butt is it (going over 10,000 lbs), in order to get the significant benefits of greater interior living space?
It is so troublesome on a daily basis or cost-prohibitive so as to force reasonable people to avoid it, or just an occasional inconvenience that is well worth the trouble?
Vagabound
OK, maybe this will get some blood pumping ...
If the magic line with box trucks (or other vehicles) in terms of GVWR is 10,000 lbs. (less = good; more = bad), let's talk about what that really means.
If someone has a box truck, say 16', that is 13,000 lbs, what does that really mean in the life of the owner / driver?
How much of a pain in the butt is it (going over 10,000 lbs), in order to get the significant benefits of greater interior living space?
It is so troublesome on a daily basis or cost-prohibitive so as to force reasonable people to avoid it, or just an occasional inconvenience that is well worth the trouble?
Vagabound
LoupGarou said:
Yes, that has been discussed a bit. The best option that I've found from all input, generally speaking, is to insure the box truck as "commercial vehicle for personal use". Still not sure how universal that is, from state to state, but it has worked well for some people.
The second option is to jump through whatever hoops are necessary to get the title changed from vehicle type:commercial truck (or whatever it says) to vehicle type:RV. Then, the insurance should be easier to get, more options, etc. That seems easy in some places, just for the asking. In other places (NV maybe), it is much more trouble, requiring licensed contractors and certifications, etc.
All said, this insurance issue should apply equally to trucks under and over the 10K GVWR, and so not something that would keep a buyer under 10K lbs.
Vagabound
highdesertranger
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in CA anything over 10k is commercial, unless it's an RV. so when you are over 10k your registration is a lot more, your insurance is a lot more, you must have the CA and DOT numbers clearly visible on the cab, you must stop at the scales. highdesertranger
highdesertranger said:
Those all seem like things to tip the scales (pardon the pun), to avoid, etc.
Do you also mean that box trucks under 10K might not be automatically classified as commercial by DMVs?
Vagabound
highdesertranger
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are there box trucks under 10k? good question I don't know for sure. but I am going to say yes it would be considered commercial. in CA all pick ups are commercial as far as plates and registration but they do not have to stop at the scales. highdesertranger
highdesertranger said:
Based on what I've seen online, etc., the 10', 12', and maybe even some 14' are below 10K lbs. According to a Penske guru I've been in contact with, their 12' high cube is at 8,600 GVWR.
Vagabound
I drive by a UHaul store every day and I've been ogling the 10' trucks:
https://www.uhaul.com/Trucks/10ft-Moving-Truck-Rental/TM/
Tall enough to stand in, small enough to drive around town and with nice straight, square walls. What's not to love?
That pesky title/insurance/registration issue, that's what. It may require further investigation, though. It would be nice to find a source of info for all states' requirements for DIY RVs.
https://www.uhaul.com/Trucks/10ft-Moving-Truck-Rental/TM/
Tall enough to stand in, small enough to drive around town and with nice straight, square walls. What's not to love?
That pesky title/insurance/registration issue, that's what. It may require further investigation, though. It would be nice to find a source of info for all states' requirements for DIY RVs.
mayble said:
Had a chat today with the owner of a 10' U-Haul box truck. When I asked what he did to overcome this insurance issue, he said in effect, "What issue?" He got insurance the same way you'd get it for any other vehicle -- called the agent, gave VIN, other info, etc. and got covered. No mention of commercial anything. So, I'm beginning to suspect that box trucks under 10K lbs GVWR might not be considered commercial in some states. The VIN might reflect that they are basically vans or pickup trucks.
Vagabound
highdesertranger
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the VIN is going to reveal it was manufactured as a cab and chassis. not a regular van or truck. highdesertranger
Optimistic Paranoid
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It's easy enough to check. Go to:
https://www.uhaul.com/TruckSales/
Find a likely looking truck. You'll see they list the vehicle's VIN # online. Copy it down. Go to your insurance agent, tell him you're THINKING about buying this van, give him the VIN #, and get a quote on adding it to your insurance. Se if they give you a hard time or not.
https://www.uhaul.com/TruckSales/
Find a likely looking truck. You'll see they list the vehicle's VIN # online. Copy it down. Go to your insurance agent, tell him you're THINKING about buying this van, give him the VIN #, and get a quote on adding it to your insurance. Se if they give you a hard time or not.
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