Step Van vs. Box Truck

[Willy]

 Well, mine was considerably older, and had 8 bolt rims (full floating axle), but something like. Could probably throw the rearend from a full sized chev van or PU under there; quite possibly Ford & Dodge too. ..Willy.

 

[LowTech]

I'd go w/ a Box Van over a step van. It still gives you the pass through, w/o being shaped like a brick! It also makes the chassis &amp; drive train standard parts.<br>We've turned a metro bus (Ford E350) in to a camper, have also helped w/ an older ford box van that used to be a Snap-on parts truck. Our friends now live in that.<br><br>I prefer a Box Truck, over a box van, because it flexes much more w/o damaging the body/frame. We do spend loads of time on tracks that most would NOT call roads <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" class="bbc_img">

 

[highdesertranger]

several sites on the web give the formula for figuring gear ratio to tire size to engine rpm.&nbsp; wow kurbmaster that has 1/2 ton running gear what's the gvwr of that?&nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[Safaribob]

Scoundrel,<br><br>Nice original post and box van spec drawing...<br><br>Weigh what others have said above.&nbsp; On 11/9/12, a forum contributor named Grummy shared the link to his site that covers his step van conversion and he shares dimensions and other info about that choice of camper platform.&nbsp; <span id="post_message_1275651090"><a href="http://www.data-cut.com/grumliner.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.data-cut.com/grumliner.htm</a><br><br><br>Using this forum's search tool and entering "step van" I found Grummy's comments and site link a week or so ago when I came across a 12 ft Utilimaster step van locally and got curious.<br><br>Hope this helps...<br><br>Bob<br><br></span>

 

[flying kurbmaster]

highdranger.... it is a 1 ton GMC chassi single wheels 8 bolt.&nbsp;I will get you the gvwr next month as I am at present 1/2 way around the world from it. It is quite lite and I haven't added too much weight, I built the interior like a boat with 3/4 x 3/4 inch minimalist framing out of light weight cedar and 4 to 6 mm veneer ply all glued together, no cabinetry doors. if you click on my user name you can get to my albums and have a look inside. I am in the process of aero modding it, with a bunch of add on alluminium and plastic to move air toughtfully around it,&nbsp;I hope to finish off at between 18 and&nbsp;20mpg I am pretty sure I can do it. I should be done by the&nbsp;end of this years, North&nbsp;American summer. Planning to do the Trans Labrador highway in her&nbsp;in July, August so this will be my proving grounds. Cheers fk&nbsp;&nbsp;

 

[highdesertranger]

5 lug 1 ton, &nbsp;I don't think so.&nbsp; are those just 5 lug hub caps over 1 ton running gear?&nbsp; curious minds want to now.&nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[grummy]

When it comes to the Grumman Kurbmaster models (like mine), they really did have a WIDE variety of variables.<br><br>They made the Kurbmaster Jr., which was 74" wide x 66-7/8" high inside in either 8 or 9 foot long load space. This was available with a 6" optional roof extension.<br><br>Beyond that, they made models with widths of 78", 82" 86" and 93".<br><br>Addressing wheelbases and the lengths available on each:<br>WB 122" - 9', 10', 11', 12'<br>WB 125" - 10', 11', 12'<br>WB 133" - 10', 11', 12', 13'<br>WB 137" - 11', 12', 13, 14'<br>WB 154" - 12', 13', 14', 15', 16'<br>WB 157" - 12', 13', 14', 15', 16'<br>WB 159" - 13', 14', 15', 16'<br>WB 178" - 17', 18'<br><br>Interior heights stock were at 72-7/8", and optional roof heights were as follows:<br>6", 8" and 12".<br><br>I've seen a few 10' long trucks with the 12" extended height roof lines and they looked a little top heavy... not if filled with marshmallows obviously.<br><br>GVW's were equally all over the place and was calculated with sales literature I do not have. It depended a lot on the chassis used. Mine is the Chev p30 which was similar to Motorhome chassis of the same era. Mine was rated for 6000lb rear and 4000lb front. I believe that all the P30 independent front ends maxed out around 4000lb, and steps that rated higher had straight axles. The P30 was not loved by everyone, but given that many of these trucks logged 30 years of miles and are still on the road, they can't be that bad.<br><br>"Step van verses Box truck" ? That comes down to a lot of personal requirements. Either are found reasonably priced these days. The Box truck will likely give a person a much better overall long haul "road experience" if you want to travel far distances. Its larger, heavier, has a wider stance, usually has more power as many came with small Cat or Detroits and Allison Autos. That extra size also means rougher rides unless spring packs are built specifically for the likely lesser loads, and a tougher ride at the DMV until you can shake the "commercial truck" status. I'm waiting for my insurance company to find someone who will recognize mine as a non-commercial now that it is really registered as a motor home. Seems their still having trouble with the VIN number claiming its commercial status.<br><br>Beyond that, SPACE require to store or park the thing is a much larger footprint than your average step van. I had a 1996 Chev 15' Van front Ryder with the grandma's attic sitting here before the Grumliner, and it was HUGE in comparison. That thing had to be near 12' tall, while my step is about 9' 4" right now and lots shorter and narrower. But thats what fits my needs and my space to keep it.<br><br>If you have the space to park a Box truck without neighbors freaking out while your building your dream, go large ! You certainly can devise a walk thru, and I would if it were me. Nothing worse than having to walk around the front to get stuff thats within arms reach when a hole exists. I would open it up into the roof of the cab like they do with many RV's built on truck chassis with truck cabs.<br><br><br><br>

 

[flying kurbmaster]

plastic hubcaps!!!!

 

[highdesertranger]

ok I understand now.&nbsp; sorry about that I missed the post right before mine where you stated it was 8 lug.&nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[66788]

5 lug 1 ton, &nbsp;I don't think so.&nbsp; are those just 5 lug hub caps over 1 ton running gear?&nbsp; curious minds want to now.&nbsp; highdesertranger

My 1989 Ram B350 window van is a 1 ton by VIN, but has 5 lug wheels. They were made. Not common, but out there.

 

[highdesertranger]

I stand corrected. highdesertranger