Show me your van!

[lumberjackson]

I recently got a cargo van to use for jobs that don't require a chipper, like airspade work, trunk injections, fertilizing, planting, no clean up jobs, that kind of stuff. Looking for ideas on how to build out the inside, like clever ways to store saws and chains, or what other guys think is a must have or what they wish they'd done differently. I know vans arent as common as other rigs, but I know some of you guys have used or still use vans, so show me what you've got! I'm stoked about the potential my van has and the fact that everything can always be locked up and out of the rain when it's inside.

 

[Mick Dempsey]

Show us YOUR van!

Quid pro quo Clarice, as Hannibal rightly says.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Before you start building empty the van, remove carpeting or Matting. Then scrub anc cover with thick bed liner before starting the build

 

[cerviarborist]

Show us YOUR van!

Quid pro quo Clarice, as Hannibal rightly says.

I was going to say...a sofa is always a nice accessory.

 

[evo]

I’ve always thought a small buss or van would be awesome. Something big enough for a mini skid in the van, shelves and hooks for saws and gear, then also a tow package capable of towing a smaller chipper. Next best would be 4x4 the ultimate full service no haul rig.
This is coming from a service area where 2/3-3/4’s of all jobs want to keep the wood and chips. The chip truck is mostly something to tow the chipper and consolidate the chips!

 

[Tom Dunlap]

I wish I had pics of the one ton cube van I used for gear.

 

[RyanCafferky]

What van did you get?

I can do a video of my vans and text it to you tomorrow.

 

[flushcut]

Show us YOUR van!

Quid pro quo Clarice, as Hannibal rightly says.

“Are you a size 14?”

 

[Mick Dempsey]

Terrifying film, not sure if I could watch it again.

I read the book as well, which is very good. The 1986 film (which is close to the book iirc) is good, but not as good.

 

[lumberjackson]

I got a mercedes metris, the sprinter's little brother. I will add some photos tomorrow, but it's just a bare, empty, compact cargo van that's pretty boring right now. That would be awesome, @RyanCafferky. Or better yet let me buy you lunch next time you drive it in to Portland area.

I picked the metris because it has best in class payload (almost 2300lbs) and towing capacity (5,000 lbs). I don't plan on pulling a chipper with it, I think a 9" chipper would be the biggest I could get away with anyway. But I'm all set up to tow my Giant 254T on a trailer or set a skid sprayer in the back of the van.

 

[Dan Cobb]

If I was going to get a cargo van, I'd want to insulate it to keep it from being a hot box in summer as well as for noise reduction.

 

[flushcut]

Might as well add AC and heat if it’s insulated. Home away from home when the wife finds out what you are doing and how much you are spending.

 

[RyanCafferky]

I got a mercedes metris, the sprinter's little brother. I will add some photos tomorrow, but it's just a bare, empty, compact cargo van that's pretty boring right now. That would be awesome, @RyanCafferky. Or better yet let me buy you lunch next time you drive it in to Portland area.

I picked the metris because it has best in class payload (almost 2300lbs) and towing capacity (5,000 lbs). I don't plan on pulling a chipper with it, I think a 9" chipper would be the biggest I could get away with anyway. But I'm all set up to tow my Giant 254T on a trailer or set a skid sprayer in the back of the van.

I’m working for Honl Tree Care on Wednesday if you want to stop by and check out my van. Maybe hit me up with a reminder text and I can send you the address. I think it is a nasty one which is why I’m doing it.

 

[Jonny]

A cargo van with a good security system would be cool. I’d park it in a relatively secure garage, and wouldn’t have to bother with loading and unloading tools. Probably gain an extra 20 minutes of sleep

If there’s a roof rack, some 8” PVC pipe mounted on the roof and with threaded caps or maybe these locking ones would be good for stowing pruning poles and other odds and ends.

 

[lumberjackson]

Here she is. There is a lot of road noise, but I'm thinking spraying great stuff between the shelves and the van would help. I don't know if that's ideal, but the best idea I can think of so far.

A roof rack is high on the upgrade list. I was thinking of hanging pole tools from the ceiling inside, but the I haven't seen those locking tubes, that might be the way to go.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Foam will flake off and be a mess unless it’s contained

Foam rubber is better. Watch for discarded beach floaties or the interlocking foam made for shop floors

 

[Reach]

Foam will flake off and be a mess unless it’s contained

Foam rubber is better. Watch for discarded beach floaties or the interlocking foam made for shop floors

Harbor Freight sells a halfway decent cheap floor foam, I’m not sure how well it deadens sound, but it might help.

 

[lumberjackson]

Foam will flake off and be a mess unless it’s contained

Foam rubber is better. Watch for discarded beach floaties or the interlocking foam made for shop floors

Brilliant!

 

[Tom Dunlap]

To keep all of the Unfastened Flying Objects in the back be sure and have a sturdy cage wall behind seats

 

[Barc Buster]

Here she is. There is a lot of road noise, but I'm thinking spraying great stuff between the shelves and the van would help. I don't know if that's ideal, but the best idea I can think of so far.

A roof rack is high on the upgrade list. I was thinking of hanging pole tools from the ceiling inside, but the I haven't seen those locking tubes, that might be the way to go.
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Nice rig! Yeah don’t use great stuff. Try a google search for vanlife builds or diy camper van builds. Lots of insulation options for these.