Van wins over Box Truck

[PeacefulSoul]

Some members had asked me to report on my change over from a box truck to a van. I'm gonna have to say that the van wins!! Why?
1. About the same mpg
2. Much easier to find a parking spot in urban areas
3. Much easier to drive on long trips
4. Much more stealth-ability
5. The van is/feels safer
6. I feel like I have more square footage!!

As a woman, alone on the road, I find the van to be a safer choice. The box truck did not have a cab to box pass thru - so you had to go outside to get in the back. The van, I can jump up and drive off if I need to. I also feel the van blends in better, drawing less attention.
I have kept the van very simple, adding only a bed across the back over the wheel wells and a light weight metal rack (convenience store dumpster find!)that holds my clothing and kitchen stuff. I am using insulation on all the windows for heat control and privacy. Currently my belongings are in stackable milk crates which I place on the floor when driving and stack when parked. From my bed to the front seats, I have a 6' by 6' area that is open. I use it during the day for lounging, working on my computer, reading, etc. Leaving it open and uncluttered gives me a sense that I have more space than I need.
I had originally thought I would do another build in this van but really am finding that I already have everything I could ever need or want without building. I am enjoying the fact that I have nothing in the van that I need to maintain. I am surprised at how simple life can really be! I am currently living in a campground with showers and electrical hook ups. Maybe when I head to the desert I will want more built in but...who knows, maybe not!
Happy travels to you!

 

[Zil]

my first van, I had a water jug and an enameled basin to wash my face. A old interior door hinged to the side for a bed. Clothing in milk crates under bed. I later added a propane stove and a cooler. Around 15000 miles.

 

[Patrick46]

I can't agree with the more square feet of space in a van over a box...but no biggie.

You found something that fits your needs and makes you happy.

NOTHING ELSE MATTERS!!!

Congrats!


(oh yeah....don't forget our pics!!)

 

[PeacefulSoul]

I can't agree with the more square feet of space in a van over a box...but no biggie.

LOL, I believe I said "feels" like more space. Because the van is open from the bed to the front, and because it is all windows it just feels larger. I did have more sqft in the box truck, especially ceiling to floor.

 

[decodancer]

I like the windows on my van too. I would love to fix up an old box truck though. I'd take off the back roll up door and put a door and a nice big window in. Good luck and safe travels in your new rig.

 

[MrNoodly]

The box truck did not have a cab to box pass thru...

One could have been cut.

But, yeah, vans are easier to drive, park and generally deal with.

 

[SoulRaven]

I can't agree with the more square feet of space in a van over a box...but no biggie.

LOL, I believe I said "feels" like more space. Because the van is open from the bed to the front, and because it is all windows it just feels larger. I did have more sqft in the box truck, especially ceiling to floor.

Regardless of square footage, I certainly agree that windows make all the difference in the world.

In my many windowed van, I feel insulated from the elements, yet a part of the world around me. The windows also eliminate the worry of whats going on around me that I can't see too.

 

[wagoneer]

Having owned both I prefer the window van with a high top. The Kurbmaster with the 350 was a tough little truck with OK gas milage just pushing a lot of air on the freeway I travel alone. With the added trailer it's like soo cool.
Tiny houses have been on the news a lot as of late. I have plans to alter the interior of the trailer add solar and more efficient appliances.

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

It might be cool too add windows tp a box truck...or maybe in the roof like a huge sunroof

 

[Zil]

Most box trucks have separate bodies and cabs. It would be very difficult to cut and build a weather tight and secure passage from the cab to the body. it can be done, but very difficult.

 

[Vic.]

I've considered that often. Seems like there must be some good, thick rubber (inner tubes?) that can be used to fill the gap. Like the accordion transitions on trains but simpler.

 

[Bdog1]

Accordion boot is readily available, older semi's use it. It ends up being noisy so some extra insulation is a good plan too. Years back my 91 Dodge had this set-up without any issues.