Step Van
 

I'm currently trying to plan out the necessaries for a project that has a need of movable, reliable storage. I need either a double axle trailer or a box truck (I'd rather have a truck so I don't have to arrange/purchase a tow vehicle), which would hold what I have to store. The vehicle would most likely sit all but one or two days a week in an uncovered, safe, private lot. The lot is at the top of a sharp hill (200ft).

I also need to make sure that others can drive this (which makes me wary about a trailer option). And it needs to be as easy to maintain as possible.

So I've looked around and I keep coming back to a step van/bread truck. Partly because the box trucks I've looked at are van fronts...and I've worked on those vans before....ugh....

Has anyone had any experience with these? Are they any easier to maintain/work on? This budget is tight, so every penny counts.

If you don't require a pass through from the cargo area to the drivers area, I'd look for something like this:

Ford F 450 XL Standard Cab Pickup 2 Door | eBay

The 7.3 is rock solid, the pickup front end is easy to work on as well.

Lukewarm review for workhorse P-vans.

I say lukewarm as a cheap workhorse with a chevy drivetrain may work for your needs, but they are a bit cobbled together. If you look at one check for broken leaf springs, broken body mounts, worn kingpins, and overheat evidence on the transmissions, scorched fluid marks from the vent lines. The chevy drivetrains are reasonably reliable, but overworked.

If my choice were a P van, id look for grumman, freightliners, or any diesel versions first.


An option id consider though is a used school bus. These vehicles are typically well built, well maintained, and valueless after the fact comparatively. You could find one for 3 to 5 grand with a quality drivetrain, rip out the seats and black out the windows, and use it as mobile storage.

I have a friend who bought one for a lengthy stay in the midwest and converted it to a half camper half storage, even installed a wood stove.

Another resource you may consider is the GSA Auctions. The GOV tosses stepvans after xxx miles and they don't bring very much cash at the online auctions. I would post the link but..........that not happening anymore. Mr Google will probably point you to Government Services Administration.

The diesels look attractive. Especially since I've run across a few 4BT conversions on the market. (I like the 6.2 Detroit they put in the chevys, but 4BT!) Loading and unloading one quickly is a bit much, plus there's a height requirement for the cargo for 6ft objects.

i just bought a 2000 bluebird stubnose school bus.short wheel base has a 5.9 cummins and an allison trans.gave $2000 has 160k miles but had new crate motor at 120k .also had new tires about 6 months before it was taken out of service.and i'm 5'10 and can stand up in it with at least 4 to 5 inches of headroom.only problem is the wheelwells do take up alot of floorspace

Isn't the "short bus" a bit of a snub in America?

EDIT - This is a question of cultural interest - just checking if I got it right - verifying if what I've been told is right or not...

My only comment would be that if the project will require you to go in and out of a vehicle multiple times, either empty handed or carrying stuff, the box truck will get old after awhile due to the additional height of being mounted on top of the frame. Even with a decent folding stair. I've got an F-Super box delivery truck and the tailgate is loading dock height with standard mounting and minimal shims.

Service-wise, there's plenty of room thanks to the p'up nose.

Unfortunately you are correct. The smaller buses are typically used for kids with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Really its going to be mobile/stationary storage. Think of driving to a location, unloading a ton of oddly shaped things, then loading them back up a few hours later and then returning the vehicle to where its parked the majority of the time. Convenience in loading is less a priority than maintenance ease, reliability and storage space.

I think from the replies I'm looking at a diesel (maybe non GM) or the E450 front box truck.

Maybe a lift gate could be fitted?

I've actually seen a few of each (step van/E450 box) with them fitted. However they also increase the price of the vehicle $2k. I think I'd be okay with just a ramp.

As a side note the best ad I've seen yet might have had a gate. It was for a 1987 GMC step van, and the entire ad minus the title was:
-runs good
-work or contruction truck
-idraulic lift
-aire condition

Honestly the ad sounded like someone I lived near in NC shouting to the guy with the computer what he wanted the ad to contain. (and yes, in my mind it's in a backwoods southern drawl)

And the snub is directed towards those that are fully capable but choose to do things that would qualify them to ride the short bus not those that actually have disabilities.

:rolleyes5 Shortbus rider checking in!

If other people are driving it, get a gasser. Diesel will be a nightmare if you're not in control of it, and someone will fill it with gas eventually.

They say a Chevy runs right for a short time, and wrong for a long time.

Can you get a Chevy 2500 truck and slap on box on it? We have done terrible, terrible things to my dad's '98 Silverado 2500 and it still goes strong.

Avoid the Ford Triton engines, their spark plugs weld into the head.

stubnose not snubnose.this is a 59 passenger full size school bus with a flat frontend.as the guy i got it from said"your always the first one to the accident"it has a short wheelbase.this thing could turn around in an intersection without backin up.