Step Van vs. Box Truck

Scoundrel · Mar 9, 2013

I'm starting to think either a step van or box truck is going to be the best option for me.  And I'm leaning towards a step van, but I've been unable to find any information on the inside height and width.  When researching box trucks this information was easy (thanks U-Haul). <img rel="lightbox" src="http://www.uhaul.com/reservations/images/Equipment/Trucks/26Dimensions.png" class="bbc_img"> What I like about a box truck is it would give me about 100 sq ft of floor space even after insulating.  That's enough space for a proper bathroom, shower and kitchen I think.  What I don't like about it is I'd prefer a higher ceiling and I really like that a step van has access to the cab from the inside. My plan is to build something I can live in full time.  But, I don't think I'll be traveling much once I find a place I like, which is likely to be in the Southwestern US. So, are step vans taller inside?

owl · Mar 9, 2013

   The interior height is all over the place. Some box trucks have a higher ceiling than the box truck you posted. It's the same with step vans.

Scoundrel · Mar 9, 2013

I'm sure that's true.  But, I'm also sure that there are some that are more common that others.  For example, used FedEx or UPS trucks are all pretty standard aren't they?

wagoneer · Mar 9, 2013

Step vans are usually walk through which would allow you to utilize the cab area more. I have owned a few..

Willy · Mar 9, 2013

 Stay away from those rear roll-up doors. I'd also vote for the step van. Another bonus re. step vans is their use of FLAT safety glass and split windshields. Any glass shop can replace them.. and cheaply. In fact, it's not all that difficult to DIY. Another bonus is that they generally have a lower centre of gravity, and lower over all, due to not having a 'flat-deck'. That means the floor is something like a foot lower. One other nice thing is being able to work on the engine from the interior, with plenty of room to boot. Sure beats hangin' off the side of the truck when it's pissing rain. This also allows ya to do work on the engine without drawing attention. ..Willy. 

wagoneer · Mar 9, 2013

if you can find a stepvan with a 4 cylinder cummins diesel don't buy it let me know where it is and I will buy it...

Scoundrel · Mar 9, 2013

So, it sounds like a step van is the way to go.  Thanks everyone for the information.  Although I don't think I'll be buying one for in the next 12 months, I can still start looking, planning and buying the other things I'll be needing.

rokguy · Mar 10, 2013

Scoundrel, Not to confuse you......................  Remember there are cabover box trucks in the U.S, flat floor, stable dual rear wheels, no wheel wells taking up valuable space, tilt cab for maintainence, economically 10 speed, 4.0 ltre turbo diesels, can cruise all day at 65mph. Winnebago (pictured) here in Australia actually converted many cab chassis trucks (like Mine) to walk through. Easy enough to do. This one is a C class version, but you get the idea. <IMG class=bbc_img src="http://images.australialisted.com/nlarge/winnebago_leisure_seeker_mazda_t4000_19455934.jpg" rel="lightbox">  I didn't with mine cause I had a walk through a few years ago and found I piled up alot of stuff on the front seats when parked. It wasn't any quicker if you wanted to leave. Here's my converted (pantec) box truck.modelled on a B class. I wanted to keep the tilt cab setup cause its easy to work on and more aerodynamic.......  this give you the idea. Geoff <IMG class=bbc_img src="http://stonemasoncarver.com/sitebuilder/images/new_LEDs_4-465x345.jpg" rel="lightbox">

Scoundrel · Mar 10, 2013

I see your point rokguy.  Thanks for the input.

deltaecho · Mar 11, 2013

I just ran across this today. 4cyl diesel 4 speed cube van  <A href="http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/3659263297.html" rel=nofollow target=_blank>http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/3659263297.html</A>

rokguy · Mar 12, 2013

Looks Ok, just make sure its got good top speed diff gearing ! If its a manual transmission that 4 speed would worry me, it might only do (80kmh) 45mph flat chat. (revving the rings out of it) Built for city parcel delivery stop, start traffic.  A good 4 cylinder Diesel should be 5 speed (min) 5th gear being overdrive if its a manual. This will give good hwy speeds and Diesel mileage. When I look at any ex delivery trucks on offer, I always find out what is the engine HP, gear ratios are and the diff final drive ratio is.  Geoff

squatting dog · Mar 12, 2013

Good advice from rokguy about hp, gearing, etc. That being said, I've never worried about gearing unless one is planning lots and lots of highway trips. I'd rather drive a slower pace and enjoy the trip. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"> I would be more concerned about tires, brakes, rust issues (coming from the rust belt) and how many miles are on it.

Willy · Mar 12, 2013

 Aluminum body Grumman step van running single wheels in the rear w. I6 standard for the win! I had one and it not only was good on gas (highway gears), but NO rust and plenty of room. If you get one running singles, it's pretty simple to swap out the whole rear-end (could just swap the crown/pinion) with one from a 3/4-1 ton pickup. Ford with posi would be good. ..Willy.

highdesertranger · Mar 12, 2013

don't you have to change the front hubs/rotor assembly also so you can run the same rim front and rear.  highdesertranger

Willy · Mar 13, 2013

 Not necessarily, since many 8 bolt 16" rims are interchangeable. You can even put single rims on a dually axle, though not the other way around. ..Willy.

Laughing Richard · Apr 6, 2013

Wagoneer, If Texas isn't too far, here's 2 step vans with 4 cyl cummins in them: <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w

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ontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--><a href="http://easttexas.craigslist.org/cto/3657069430.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://easttexas.craigslist.org/cto/3657069430.html <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w

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ontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--></a><a href="http://easttexas.craigslist.org/cto/3657069430.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://collegestation.craigslist.org/cto/3703391264.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://collegestation.craigslist.org/cto/3703391264.html</a><a href="http://easttexas.craigslist.org/cto/3657069430.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I'm still several thousand miles away yet Richard </a>

wagoneer · Apr 6, 2013

great deals drive down in my 1999 passat load it in the back and drive home. Thank you

rokguy · Apr 6, 2013

Noice! Those 4 pot turbo Cummins are a nice bonus. They haul a**. Geoff

highdesertranger · Apr 6, 2013

you are right willy.  i misread i thought you were saying to put a single rear wheel axle on dually.  which would still leave the front set up for a dually rim.  highdesertranger

flying kurbmaster · Apr 6, 2013

do you mean like this one Willy, I got a GMC drive train 292 6 cyl auto does 16 mpg. As someone mentioned it howls it guts out over 80kph do you know what vehicle to get the gearing out of or what number I should be asking for in order to change the gearing in the rear end. <img class="bbc_img" src="http://files.websitetoolbox.com/82529/1521617" rel="lightbox">

Step Van vs. Box Truck

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