Chevy Express Cargo Van vs. Cutaway Box Van

[Tori64]

Hi everyone,

I'm in the process of trading-in my current vehicle for a van, and am keen to pursue a used Chevy Cutaway Van 139 WB v8 (with 12 foot box), relatively low miles and in great shape.  Is there any reason why I don't see cutaway vans more often used in DIY camper van conversions, that is, other than perhaps the higher price of cutaway vans? 

Thank you for any input you may have.

T.

 

[John61CT]

less common, most box trucks need to go outside to go between cab and living space

harder to drive, places to park, less stealthy in residential areas

buses are cheaper

 

[Matlock]

A Cutaway box van requires a sawzall or jigsaw to access the cab. Add a hinged or sliding door for privacy or just a heavy moving blanket.
Drives like a 1 ton Van because that's what a 139" wheelbase is, and stealth is an illusion in my opinion.
High interior so walking inside isn't an issue, even after rigid foam insulation.
The GMC with 12' box is a perfect size, straight walls, easy to insulate and finish the ceiling and interior. Look for one with an aluminum roof as opposed to the plastic sheeting. Solar mounting is nice on a flat aluminum roof and leaks are easy to avoid.

Just my ol 2¢

 

[Tori64]

less common, most box trucks need to go outside to go between cab and living space

harder to drive, places to park, less stealthy in residential areas

buses are cheaper

John61CT, thank you for your responsive feedback. 

I did find one that has a (lockable) slider door to the box area, and the drive wasn't so different than the 3500 extended Chevy express cargo van.  The parking and stealth feedback is well noted.  

Cheers,
T.

 

[Tori64]

less common, most box trucks need to go outside to go between cab and living space

harder to drive, places to park, less stealthy in residential areas

buses are cheaper

Thank you Matlock!  Your feedback is super helpful. 

My gut is to go with the Chevy box van given the generous living area, and my having felt no major difference in driving and parking it (139WB, 12 foot box), that is, as compared to the Chevy extended cargo van, both v8. Alo, the box van's back up loud beeper sound tech was a nice warning feature. 

I did find a box van with a lockable cab (slider) door, though it does have a translucent fiberglass ceiling, which I didn't like, and with your helpful feedback, I'm now committed to securing an aluminum box.  

Thanks also re the stealth feedback. I anticipate in any event avoiding cities and large towns, keeping to nature via a mix of boondocking and campsites.  

Cheers,
Tori64

 

[John61CT]

Those cutting the access door themselves, be aware the opening may require structural reinforcing.

Insurance loves loopholes not to pay out in an accident.

 

[Tori64]

Those cutting the access door themselves, be aware the opening may require structural reinforcing.

Insurance loves loopholes not to pay out in an accident.

Thanks again John61CT. Great feedback!

Any recommendations on insurance carriers to explore?

 

[RogerD]

I was leaning toward a cutaway, but in the end got a chevy express extended van.

I personally think the cutaway is such a better option and only went with the extended van so I would blend in more.

Check progressive. They have always had the best rates.

At least until I had a minor accident and they figured out my address was just a mailbox and jacked my rate.

I'm now with Geico which was much cheaper.

 

[John61CT]

Insurance is a very complex topic for owner conversions, depending what you want, how registered, etc.

And every state is different,

Best to do some research https://www.google.com/search?q=site:www.cheaprvliving.com+comprehensive+insurance+agent
https://www.google.com/search?q=site:www.skoolie.net+comprehensive+insurance+agent
then start a new thread with your particulars, and more specific questions.

Ideally have both the "before / during conversion" policy & cost all lined up before buying the vehicle.

If you want your completed buildout insured for a high "agreed value" that usually requires a specialist agent, documenting the process thoroughly, pictures, recepts etc, and maybe even moving the vehicle's "garaged location" to another state.

 

[highdesertranger]

Welcome Tori to the CRVL forums! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips, Tricks and Rules" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you. highdesertranger

 

[Tori64]

I was leaning toward a cutaway, but in the end got a chevy express extended van.

I personally think the cutaway is such a better option and only went with the extended van so I would blend in more.

Check progressive. They have always had the best rates.

At least until I had a minor accident and they figured out my address was just a mailbox and jacked my rate.

I'm now with Geico which was much cheaper.

 

[Tori64]

Thanks RogerD and John61CT for your respective insurance input, which is well received.

I am now in discussions with my current carrier, Progressive.

 

[Pleasant Travels]

As you may now be discovering after talking to your insurance company,...depending on your state,...it may be difficult to get the box truck redesignated as something other than as a commercial vehicle. As long as your state considers it commercial, so too does your insurance company. Commercial insurance costs more than personal vehicle ins or RV ins.

I too intend to convert a box truck into a living space and have found these hurdles that need to be dealt with.

 

[John61CT]

Dealing with the bigger insurance companies directly is often not productive. Best to find a sympathetic agent.

What state are you currently domiciled in? Do you know the rules for qualifying as an RV?

What sort of insurance are you ultimately looking for?

 

[Tori64]

Greetings,

No news on my end as of yet on the insurance, but am liaising with local agent. I'm in MA, but that will change when I fully exit sometime in 2019 (after house and *stuff* sale) with likely residence to be established in NV or TX (or what I decide makes most sense, taking into account various considerations).

Am now back and forth with box manufacturers - can't find what I want - and decisionmaking on cutaway 2x4 chassis vs. 4x4 truck chassis..... I would prefer 4x4 (e.g., Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra), though need to grapple with custom escape hatch between box and truck cab (meaning, in all likelihood, custom slider window to get through in case of emergency).

T.

 

[John61CT]

Check out Provan http://www.tigervehicles.com/tiger-models/bengal/

 

[Tori64]

Nice. Thanks for sharing, but not my style and includes a number of things I'm not keen on or require. I want something more simple/rustic and which allows for ease of later design adjustment. It's also about the life experience of building it, learning along the way, etc. And with that said,

-for insulation, I want sheep wool (likely Havelock Wool), which I'll install myself, with underlayer of selectively placed sound dampening strips (likely Kiltran),
-I'll do my own studs and beadboard panelling ... well, with some help,
-I don't want complicated plumbing, and ideally nothing external (except, that is, a roof solar shower system - maybe roadshower 10gallon to start): internally, I want a simple hand pump system w/internal tanks, and a composting toilet (likely Nature's Head),
-excepting twin bed (possible murphy approach) I have all the initial required furniture/wood, writing desk, etc., to do minimalist interior (ideally positioned with flexibility for later furniture shift / adjustment as desired),
-electrician will help, incl. with solar: starting at 600w (but with ability to add), 3000w inverter, lithium batteries, etc., system, and with shore power option,
-truck box will have new internal back wall (with lockable front door, and aircon/fan unit on other side), &
-aftermarket provider will do escape hatch solution, windows, underside storage boxes, stairs, awning, and webasco gas heater.

T.

 

[Pleasant Travels]

Some folks don't like that they are merely conversions,...but there are 4x4 conversion kits for vans and van-based box trucks and rvs.

Quigley is the best known (and most expensive), but I have been looking at Ujoint Offroad's offerings. On their website, you can see E450 based rvs that have been jacked up and reworked for 4x4. But it will still add somewhere between $8000 to $12000 in cost.

For myself, I have my eye on a rolled over E350 Quigley a fellow is selling for just $3000 locally. If my funding arives in time before someone else snags it, I'm gonna dog-rob the entire suspension and drivetrain off that puppy.

 

[John61CT]

But the you'd have a Ford.

OP, I just meant for ideas / inspiration.

 

[highdesertranger]

yep I am a 4x4 conversion hater. highdesertranger