Cargo Van for my Route

[indiana]

I'm currently borrowing a huge V8 Chevy Express 3500 van that services my route and holds most of my inventory. This van ultimately costs me around $40/week in gas. My arrangement with the owner will be expiring soon (he doesn't want to renew the plates or insurance on a van he no longer uses), so I need to acquire one of my own.

He believes his van is still worth what he paid for it 3+ years ago, which I disagree with and is frankly above my budget, so I've been looking at and test driving used cargo vans for a couple weeks now.

As would be expected with older, used vehicles with high miles on Craigslist--I've seen some pretty scary vehicles in the last couple weeks--but staying within a reasonable budget is definitely a priority for me at this time. I bring each van to the local Pep Boys, which offers a nice inspection service for only $20. The mechanic actually told me one van, definitely the scariest I've ever seen, was not safe to drive away and a single pothole would likely cause one of the front wheels to fall off.

Anyways-- I've found some nice vans, too, that should service the needs of my route just fine. Of these, I especially like the v6 Chevy Astro Cargo, mainly because of it's smaller size and engine, which I'm guessing will save money with lower fuel expenses.

I also found what looks to be an amazing v8 ram 3500 van that I was able to negotiate the price into my budget, with beautiful shelves and compartments and whatnot that I think would be great for my inventory.

Here's a couple photos. I'm taking the day off tomorrow to check it out, test drive it and have the mechanics take a look at it. I think, assuming a clean bill of health from pep boys, I will buy this van tomorrow.

One thing I really like about getting a big v8 van with a towing package is the idea of being able to pick up and transport vending machines with a pallet jack and trailer, making the process of growing my route with "new" machines much easier.

I have some questions for the group.

Does a V6 van really save a considerable amount of gas compared to a V8?

What do you think of the Dodge Ram 3500 cargo van?

Thanks.

[dogcow]

dont know the particular van, but it really depends on the size of the vehicle and how the xmission is geared. ive drove v6 cars that used as much gas as v8 and those that have used less, it also depends a lot on how u drive, i get around 20mpg in my f150 cause im a feather foot, ur best bet is to use the DOT mpg ratings as a baseline

[bullyfrog]

In my opinion a V6 isn't enough to push a cargo van, especially if you're gonna tow with it. Every V6 full size van I've every rode in felt under powered and you end up flooring it to merge and keep up with traffic which negates any fuel savings. If you can afford it, go with a diesel. That's what I have, it's got almost 400k miles on it and it's still kickin'. But to answer your question, I think you'll be much happier with a V8. JMO

P.S. If you can find one without windows it would be worth it. Mine has no rear windows with a steel partition seperating the cab and high security locks on the rear. I never have to worry about what I've got in the back. Even if I'm getting it serviced, I just lock everything in the rear.

[moondog]

I like it - the shelves look to be adjustable and it's all set up. I drive the V6 GMC and I doubt that I get more than about 3 mpg more versus a V8.

If it checks out, get the Dodge and you'll be done - it's not like you're going to keep it forever anyway. For now it suits your needs.

Don't underestimate the value of those shelves - they definitely don't give those away.

[bullyfrog]

Don't underestimate the value of those shelves - they definitely don't give those away.

That's very true. Shelves, locks, partitions, etc all of that stuff is expensive.

[ANDERSONVENDING]

I have a V6 astro and it feels like a slug when its loaded and hard to stop.It only gets 15 mpg.My next vehicle will definetly have a bigger engine.

John

[moondog]

I have a V6 astro and it feels like a slug when its loaded and hard to stop.It only gets 15 mpg.My next vehicle will definetly have a bigger engine.

John

Maybe you just wore it out John. My Safari van (basically the same thing) whips around pretty good and gets 23 mpg on the road. Around here, anybody that's not doing 75, ends up as road kill.

[ANDERSONVENDING]

Maybe you just wore it out John. My Safari van (basically the same thing) whips around pretty good and gets 23 mpg on the road. Around here, anybody that's not doing 75, ends up as road kill.

I think I wore it out 100k miles ago, but it still doesn't stop too good and that doesn't have anything to do with the miles.I also run 80

John

[indiana]

Thank you everyone! I'll update this thread tomorrow.

[TKK]

There's some nice diesel box trucks too and cargo vans. 4 cul as well. I like that ram but a v8 Idk. What kinda route do you have? I'm sure your only doing this because your personal vehicles can't handle it?

[indiana]

Yes and no. I have a driver that regularly runs my route (allowing me to keep working a regular job during the day), which requires a dedicated vehicle. I also don't (yet) pay for storage, so the van is restocked every week and serves as my primary storage of inventory.

My personal vehicle, a sedan, would be packed to the brim (and impossible to organize) with the inventory needed to service my current route. And being my personal vehicle, it's not a realistic option to have it filled with inventory all the time.

I also plan on growing the route with new locations and new machines, so a dedicated cargo van will allow me to do that gradually. I am hopeful I can learn how to transport machines with the van, too, which will make growing a lot easier as I hunt for bargains on Craigslist.

[TKK]

I think a v8 with hitch should tow somewhat...eve.though cargo vans are not really made to tow, they usually beef ul the suspension to Cary a heavy load, but aren't good at towing. The way the transmission is geared makes it hard and puts a lot of strain on it. I'm sure 1 or 2 machines would be ok..engine has nothing to do with towing. My Nissan frontier has a 4.0 v6 engine. It can tow 6,500 lbs or 3.5 tons. That's alot! I've only towed maybe 2500 lbs and it feels fine. My 4 cyl crv can only tow 1000 lbs just the way its geared. That sucks that would be a small 4x6 trailer and a small machine.

[dogcow]

i would look at step vans, they are a bit compromise between a cargo van and a box truck, look for one with a lift gate u can get some equipment in there if u have removable shelves. i work out of my car and pick-up but at this point i am getting ready to take the plunge and buy a step van or a cargo van. the upside of a cargo van is around here u can get a decent one for 2k-2500, like tkk says i wouldnt tow anything with it. if u plan to move equipment ur self a lot i would bite the bullet and get a liftgate box truck. just be patient and watch the ads ive seen them go very cheap from time to time

also if u have an employee u need a van with a partititon its just too dangerous to ahve stuff rattling around back there without one. if he gets clonked in the head with a case of soda you can be on the wrong end of a law suit.

[indiana]

Great advice. It just so happens to have one, but I didn't realize that before I saw it. I'm actually waiting for it right now, as it's being inspected at pep boys. Seemed to drive well. Brakes were ok. Lights, air and heat seemed to work ok. No turn signals, that will have to be fixed. I have a longer list of issues in a bit that I'll take back to the seller into our final negotiation.

[TKK]

Well good luck regardless. A cargo van would be great for the storage space. Of I didn't have a truck I would probably by a box truck w liftgate and use that. Me and a friend can move 4+ machines in my truck w a 4x14 trailer. Plus its my offroading truck so unlike a box truck that I couldn't use for anything else this truck I take it everywhere

[dogcow]

Well good luck regardless. A cargo van would be great for the storage space. Of I didn't have a truck I would probably by a box truck w liftgate and use that. Me and a friend can move 4+ machines in my truck w a 4x14 trailer. Plus its my offroading truck so unlike a box truck that I couldn't use for anything else this truck I take it everywhere

the nice thing about a box truck is dock access

[CajunCandy]

Maybe you just wore it out John. My Safari van (basically the same thing) whips around pretty good and gets 23 mpg on the road. Around here, anybody that's not doing 75, ends up as road kill.

We eat road kill here in LA.

it's call meal of the day!

[moondog]

We eat road kill here in LA.

it's call meal of the day!

Some people might consider this too much information Mike

[indiana]

Well, although the negotiating process took longer than I expected, I bought the Dodge Ram 3500 cargo van for my route yesterday.

I decided to have the in-house mechanic at the business I bought the truck from do the "road ready" work the truck needs after comparing his estimate to the one I got from Pep Boys, and I'll pick up the van Monday evening. Replacing front brakes, a new water pump and a new turn signal relay.

The next step: visit the Indiana BMV to transfer the title and get the truck plated. I'm also calling insurance companies today to get the best rate I can find (so far the 12-month premium to beat is around $500).

[AZVendor]

Well, although the negotiating process took longer than I expected, I bought the Dodge Ram 3500 cargo van for my route yesterday.

I decided to have the in-house mechanic at the business I bought the truck from do the "road ready" work the truck needs after comparing his estimate to the one I got from Pep Boys, and I'll pick up the van Monday evening. Replacing front brakes, a new water pump and a new turn signal relay.

The next step: visit the Indiana BMV to transfer the title and get the truck plated. I'm also calling insurance companies today to get the best rate I can find (so far the 12-month premium to beat is around $500).

I think you made a good decision on the 1 ton van. I'll try to explain how I had my 3/4 ton cargo van set up back in the 90's. It worked extremely well for me.

To begin with I put the soda in a segretated area in the rear of the van where it didn't need to be cooled by the a/c. I put a partition from the floor almost up to the roof the rear side of the wheelwells. This was attached to the ribs on the inside of the van's shell. I could stack 24ct cases of 12oz cans (that's all I sold) quite high - I think 7 cases high. You need to experiment with what direction you want the long side of the case to go but I found that long side going front to back worked best. I stacked my best sellers in the rear portion of this area with slower or smaller quantity flavors in the front. That way I wasn't having to move a bunch of Coke and Pepsi to get to the wierd flavor buried in the back. There was also a shelf built at the top of the soda area where I stored extra cases of chips and cookies that I might need later. You can't feasibly stack the soda to the roof so there's room for the shelf.

Inside from the partition forward to the seats was where I kept all snacks and candy. This area got a sub-floor built as low to the van floor as possible with insulation under it and carpeted with a no-nap carpet so stuff could slide on it. Carpet wouldn't really be necessary, though. Around the inside perimeter I built one shelf. This shelf ran from the left side of the side door opening across to the drivers side and then right up to the driver's seat. This shelf was 18-20" deep and about 1 1/2 ' off the floor (I don't remember the dimensions). On the shelves where stored all the cases of snacks that I worked out of. The chips were set on edge and a V-shaped hole was cut into the cases to get bags out. So on this shelf was all the Frito Lay, Gardettos, Famous Amos, Grandmas, Oreos, Gum/Mints, etc. products. Under the shelves was where I kept ice chests with full boxes of candy products. I used blue ice in each ice chest and had spares in the freezer that could be swapped into the ice chests each morning after freezing for 24 hrs. At the end of each day it was real easy to load the ice chests on the dolly and take them into the shop I used, or your garage or house.

You will find that this setup leaves plenty of room on the floor for you to climb in and pick your products, slide ice chests around for picking, etc. I used 3 milk crates for picking products. I would inventory my machines with route cards and go to the van to pick the products. The crates get loaded in a way as to fill the snack machine from top to bottom. My bottom crate held gum/mints, a bag of rolled coin to refill coin tubes, then pastry (I ran alot of pastry-also kept in ice chests). The second and top crates would be filled with candy and snack items reading the route card backwards so that when I finished, the products in the top of the top crate would go in the top of the machine.

I kept case products in place with bungy cords and I used a basic 4-5' high dolly with the large inflatable tires. I could stack 9 cases on it with the 10th just under the edge of the dolly's top bar - so 10 cases. This meant two trips in to the account sometimes. If it's a small account I could get the few cases of soda and a couple of crates on it. You can also use a Magliner fold out dolly (I used those later in my Isuzu box trucks). The dolly was kept inside the van bungied to the back of the passenger seat. I have seen several vendors who fashioned a bracket to the back of the van to store their dollies. This works since you have to use the dolly for either snacks or soda so it's not in the way of the back doors.

I kept my collected money out of the way in a crate in the corner under the shelf so you couldn't look in a window and see the money. I was stupid as are most vendors (no offense) to not use a rolltop safe bolted to the van floor to keep the money in. This could fit between the seats - who cares if it can be seen, it's a safe. I have actually seen vendors keep loose bags of money collected from their machines in plain sight in the front seat area of their vehicles, sometimes with the doors unlocked! Human beings are amazing, aren't we?

Good luck with the vehicle, you should be able to run 60 or more machines out of it.

[indiana]

I think you made a good decision on the 1 ton van. I'll try to explain how I had my 3/4 ton cargo van set up back in the 90's. It worked extremely well for me.

To begin with I put the soda in a segretated area in the rear of the van where it didn't need to be cooled by the a/c. I put a partition from the floor almost up to the roof the rear side of the wheelwells. This was attached to the ribs on the inside of the van's shell. I could stack 24ct cases of 12oz cans (that's all I sold) quite high - I think 7 cases high. You need to experiment with what direction you want the long side of the case to go but I found that long side going front to back worked best. I stacked my best sellers in the rear portion of this area with slower or smaller quantity flavors in the front. That way I wasn't having to move a bunch of Coke and Pepsi to get to the wierd flavor buried in the back. There was also a shelf built at the top of the soda area where I stored extra cases of chips and cookies that I might need later. You can't feasibly stack the soda to the roof so there's room for the shelf.

Inside from the partition forward to the seats was where I kept all snacks and candy. This area got a sub-floor built as low to the van floor as possible with insulation under it and carpeted with a no-nap carpet so stuff could slide on it. Carpet wouldn't really be necessary, though. Around the inside perimeter I built one shelf. This shelf ran from the left side of the side door opening across to the drivers side and then right up to the driver's seat. This shelf was 18-20" deep and about 1 1/2 ' off the floor (I don't remember the dimensions). On the shelves where stored all the cases of snacks that I worked out of. The chips were set on edge and a V-shaped hole was cut into the cases to get bags out. So on this shelf was all the Frito Lay, Gardettos, Famous Amos, Grandmas, Oreos, Gum/Mints, etc. products. Under the shelves was where I kept ice chests with full boxes of candy products. I used blue ice in each ice chest and had spares in the freezer that could be swapped into the ice chests each morning after freezing for 24 hrs. At the end of each day it was real easy to load the ice chests on the dolly and take them into the shop I used, or your garage or house.

You will find that this setup leaves plenty of room on the floor for you to climb in and pick your products, slide ice chests around for picking, etc. I used 3 milk crates for picking products. I would inventory my machines with route cards and go to the van to pick the products. The crates get loaded in a way as to fill the snack machine from top to bottom. My bottom crate held gum/mints, a bag of rolled coin to refill coin tubes, then pastry (I ran alot of pastry-also kept in ice chests). The second and top crates would be filled with candy and snack items reading the route card backwards so that when I finished, the products in the top of the top crate would go in the top of the machine.

I kept case products in place with bungy cords and I used a basic 4-5' high dolly with the large inflatable tires. I could stack 9 cases on it with the 10th just under the edge of the dolly's top bar - so 10 cases. This meant two trips in to the account sometimes. If it's a small account I could get the few cases of soda and a couple of crates on it. You can also use a Magliner fold out dolly (I used those later in my Isuzu box trucks). The dolly was kept inside the van bungied to the back of the passenger seat. I have seen several vendors who fashioned a bracket to the back of the van to store their dollies. This works since you have to use the dolly for either snacks or soda so it's not in the way of the back doors.

I kept my collected money out of the way in a crate in the corner under the shelf so you couldn't look in a window and see the money. I was stupid as are most vendors (no offense) to not use a rolltop safe bolted to the van floor to keep the money in. This could fit between the seats - who cares if it can be seen, it's a safe. I have actually seen vendors keep loose bags of money collected from their machines in plain sight in the front seat area of their vehicles, sometimes with the doors unlocked! Human beings are amazing, aren't we?

Good luck with the vehicle, you should be able to run 60 or more machines out of it.

So helpful! Thank you.

[Action Vending]

The astro will not get any better mileage than a full size. The dodge is not a good idea because they go through transmissions like water and some times the motors aren't that good in them. I have a friend who replaced his motor in his dodge 3500 3 times before the body fell off of it and he bought a ford. Buying the dodge will not save you money in the long run. Do your self a favor and don't buy it. Stick with Ford or GM and diesel if possible. Or even better a Mercedes cargo van but that will set you back a bit and aren't easy to find used with low miles.

[indiana]

The astro will not get any better mileage than a full size. The dodge is not a good idea because they go through transmissions like water and some times the motors aren't that good in them. I have a friend who replaced his motor in his dodge 3500 3 times before the body fell off of it and he bought a ford. Buying the dodge will not save you money in the long run. Do your self a favor and don't buy it. Stick with Ford or GM and diesel if possible. Or even better a Mercedes cargo van but that will set you back a bit and aren't easy to find used with low miles.

Thanks for the insight, but too late! Already purchased the dodge ram utility van, and it's being put to work starting this week.

[JBVending]

Make sure you get Commercial Insurance. Some companys won't cover a claim if you don't.

JB

[indiana]

Make sure you get Commercial Insurance. Some companys won't cover a claim if you don't.

JB

Good advice, I've heard this as well. Commercial vehicle insurance (same coverage requested, 25/50/25) has been all over the place.

Progressive has offered the best price so far, with an annual premium of only $350. Nationwide has offered the most expensive price, with an annual premium of $1,100.