Taking delivery before the year is out, a couple full size AWD Ford Transit cargo van survey rigs. Part of a fleet order we snuck in a couple special requests. We rarely tow anything and having the heated space will help keep our equipment dry and ice free come winter or just allow for a change of sox not standing in a foot of snow. Just wondering if anyone has any tips or tricks or might share some pics of their setup. Thanks
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get me.
It's been quite a few years since I last worked out of a van. When I did, that idea of all that space being heated was my expectation also going in, but it was not realized. There is just too much space, which is just too leaky and uninsulated, for the relatively puny cabin heater to heat, or for an air conditioner to cool, but that probably doesn't concern you.?ÿ ?ÿ?ÿ
Put a workstation in it, then, as Mark Silver said, the crew can process the data while you drive them to the site.
@mark-mayer I??m holding out hope that they??ve improved on those points since then. My last van was a 65 Falcon window van. These are being built out for winter work. I don??t think that will be an issue. In any case it will be an improvement over the F-150 long bed with an unheated bed where my range poles to freeze solid with the slightest amount of moisture on them and nowhere to get out of the elements to change from office into -20 clothes. A warm truck and winter gear on don??t go well together.
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get me.
First few years I surveyed I did- 72 Chevy with cragars and a 3 on the tree.
did the job fine, but we had the cops called on us in that van more than the last 20 years combined. guess it gave off quite the ??free candy? vibe??
In 1978/79.?ÿ Things have surely improved tremendously since then.
@flyin-solo I opted out of the shag carpet and tinted windows.
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get me.
@jitterboogie Classic. You??re funny.
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get me.
@richard-imrie Other way around. Only I??m not only the chauffeur but also the crew. I??d really like to build in a secret fold up cot where I can take a nap (down by the river). That and my microwave and espresso machine. I??d be happy.
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get me.
My boss Harry B Blizzard, in Chicago, ran many crews, all over the Chicagoland area.
He had vans, a minivan, trucks, and a station wagon.
He decided that 4wd reduced fuel economy, and upped the maintenance costs.
He settled on 1/2 ton vans, 2 wd, WITH positrack rear ends. At a certain point, all his rigs had positrack.?ÿ
This was 1986. Rule was keep one back tire on pavement, and we could get out.
He paid some 1200 extra for positrack.
I've got 1 ton 4wd with positrack. But it's a cummins. Heavy motor.?ÿ
Vehicles are expensive.?ÿ
That was his solution.
K
Best van setup I ever saw had a stand-up desk at the back complete with work lights, laptop & power supply.
With the tailgate up you a reasonable shelter and somewhere to work the calcs
I used a 2005ish ford van for a little while, and I wasn't a fan.?ÿ It was 2WD and somehow it got stuck on popcorn fart dry ground not once, but twice.?ÿ The only thing I liked about it was you could open the side door and lay a rod in there without collapsing it.
If you can't laugh at Chris Farley, then all hope is truly lost.
.." well Loddie frickin Dah!!!"
Maybe a floor deck with insulation underneath and similar along the sides. You live and work in some of the coldest moistest locations. It's a real challenge.
Sound fun though for sure!
Worked out of a Dodge mini van in the early 2000's in NC.?ÿ I was doing construction staking on a few projects per year. Absolutely loved the ride, the side doors, and the economy.?ÿ I was putting on a couple of hundred miles per day.?ÿ ?ÿIn the mid 80's worked out of a full size cargo van on a large project along and over the N.Y.S. Thruway in Utica, NY.?ÿ A large percentage of the job was comped in the back of that van.?ÿ The equipment box had plan storage and and an inclined working surface built onto the top of the equipment box. Azimuth's and a natural for backsights.?ÿ A 2 man crew for all the staking on a job bid for 2 crews.?ÿ I learned from the absolute best construction staking PC I've had the pleasure of knowing.?ÿ
Rest in Peace Frankie.
Nothing beats a van for surveying out of, especially since you have added the AWD, which is just as good as 4WD for me as I have never been much of an off roader.?ÿ
The driving part of a truck can be nice but for working out of vans are way better.?ÿ
What van did you spec out, short wheelbase, 350, medium height roof??ÿ Inquiring minds want to know.
Given the fact that my F250 is going on 22 years whit ~350k miles, I've been thinking about a replacement should the day come it needs to put out to pasture.?ÿ The Transit seems to make sense to me for pretty much the same reasons (minus a good portion of the cold).?ÿ Nothing worse than gear that stays wet 6 months out of the year.?ÿ And now that it comes from the factory with AWD it is even a better option, although you could get it delivered with a manufacture backed 3rd party 4WD conversion before.
The only thing that concerns me is the noise of stuff rattling around inside.?ÿ I would use spray on insulation to help with climate control and road noise.
Keep us informed on how it turns out.
I don't expect a 2WD to get around in snow, ice, or mud but I do think they should mostly be able to idle around a pasture in the middle of summer.?ÿ heh