New Van thoughts (U.S.)?

[Purdog]

Black or grey van won't look sketchy in my opinion. It will set you apart from all the other plain white vans out there (again, if you can find one). Even if you go with a white van, you can do wonders with a 3/4 vinyl wrap that blends the white part of the van to a colored design with the compan name or logo. Also, remember you  get up to $1000 to help pay for that wrap  or any fit such as a partition screen or shelving or ladder rack.  You just need to have proof of business like a business license, sales tax license, liability insurance policy for the company  or you as an individual.  Adrian steel or Kargomaster are big players in the shelving and partition market.  The vinyl floor is always good for protecting the metal floor  and adds a little cushion if you happen to be on your knees for anything.  Even at the worst you can use it as a template for your plywood or false flooring.

The back up camera is standard now,  Side windows will be tough to find, rear windows are more readily available.  If you can get it the PATS (passive antit-heft system) system will prevent the van from being stolen as it acts like a ignition immobilizer and it's very inexpensive.  I've never heard of anybody building their own partition but if you feel that you can do it to be secure then go for it.  Either way I strongly suggest having one. I've heard many stories of people being injured or killed by a cargo falling forward in a rear end situation.  Like I said in an earlier post the reverse sensing is always helpful.  Also the LED lighting package makes it nice and bright inside.

 

[peter halle]

As Purdog mentioned the LED lighting is great.  I have the rubber mat and think that it is worthwhile.  My van came with the plastic interior side panels which I removed and used as templates for plywood sides.  Earlier he mentioned getting extra keys from the factory at a really good price upfront.  I have the back up alarm on mine.  HOLY COW that was loud.  In order to not further offend the neighbors that got disabled.

Peter

 

[bigjonh]

When I finally get around to ordering a transit , I'm going either gray or blue. The thing I hate about partitions is you can't tilt your seat back and take a nap.

 

[Purdog]

Please don't mistake my suggestion of the reverse sensing system as the same thing as a back up alarm. Two totally different options. The backup alarm is meant to warn people that the vehicle is backing up. Kind of like a trash truck or large municipal vehicle. The reverse sensing system is radar that detects obsticals starting at 6 ft away from the bumper and starts to alert the driver something is in his/her intended path with a tone inside the van. The closer one gets while reversing, the faster it beeps until a solid tone is heard. That means you are about 12" from smashing into something. That system in addition to the rear view camera is vital in my opinion. One small bump into another car or even a pole/wall/obsticle and you will most likely pay triple what the option costs.  God forbid a small child or animal is not in view of the mirrors or camera. The sensors shoot out at about 45 degrees from the corner of the bumper so the range is rather good.  I was talking to one of my installers of partitions about a large mobile truck repair fleet. Their driver rear ended someone on the freeway going about 40-50 MPH. The truck part (don't remember what it was but I believe it was something like an alternator size) he had in the rear of the van shot through the windshield. If it had been 12" to the left, it would have killed the driver with no question. Needless to say, the company is retrofitting all their 100+ vans with safety partitions.

 

[gruz]

So the final decision is between two vans on the lot. Both with existing features (so I'm paying for them as they are rather than picking and choosing).
Black 150 -130" wheelbase med roof with some extras, or $4500 more for the magnetic grey 250 248" wheelbase with Bluetooth, sync 1, heated mirrors, rain sensing wipers, maybe another feature or two.  Slightly increased weight capacity but I don't think that'll affect me.
Love the grey color, Bluetooth is obviously better for hands free driving and soon will likely be state law, bigger backup camera screen helps, and parking may be more challenging with the longer version,  but it'd be helpful to have the extra 18" of cargo space-that's another row of systainers...
I keep saying that $5000 is a lot more money for this, but don't want to regret the decision .
It's all going down this morning- signed off on things last. Ought but they worked up the paperwork for both just in case. Thoughts?

 

[gruz]

Last consideration I'll add is the length of cargo space factor. Looks like I can get 10' stock in the smaller wheelbase, and 12' stock in the larger. I hear there's about 2' running between the seats up to the console. Since I'm not getting a roof rack, is the shorter van going to be problematic with long stock. I'd say as long as I can get 12' in for the occasional small lumber pickups and  long crown and base molding, I should be okay. I can fit 12' in there right?

 

[peter halle]

A bulkhead will cut down on the length of material you can carry.  To get the long lengths you will have to have a door or an opening.  If I were to buy one again I would go longer.  Or at least get the Ford roof rack which isn't so expensive.

In your area parking with a longer van is a real consideration.

Peter

 

[gruz]

If I get the door with the partition, can I open it to fit 12' stock on the floor down the middle?

 

[peter halle]

In the thread that I posted in when I bought my Transit I measured 12'2" max.  Not a whole lot of room in between seats though.

Good luck and let us know which way you went!

Peter

 

[Paul G]

If I get the door with the partition, can I open it to fit 12' stock on the floor down the middle?

Can you bring a tape measure with you and check?

 

[gruz]

Last post here. Ended up going with the long wheelbase model. More cargo space is huge.
Thanks for the help. Will try to post once its racked out.

 

[peter halle]

Congrats!

Peter

 

[SFAVGUY]

Looks like you already purchased so this isn't relevant but I love my dark gray Sprinter Van, I feel like going with a color other than white really makes you stand out, and as for headroom, I'm 6 6 and can stand in the back.