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Oscarvan · 03-26-2012, 03:18 AM

In the ongoing series "doodeling and dreaming"

What I want is a max 30' truck with cab (9-10'), minimal living quarters for two (10') and the rest garage.

Of course the only thing between me and a nice long meeting with a designer at a top grade conversion company is that minor matter of the budget.

So one line of thought is to get a box truck and convert it. (Which is why I am on this forum). I've got the cutters, grinders, torches and welders and somewhat know how to use them.

So again, I'm thinking about converting a box truck. (Reefer maybe? would take care of insulation.......

) The first questions that pop up are:

1:Connecting the box to the truck. Assuming the cab is un-sprung and doesn't move in relation to the box, are there seals out there that one can bolt on? Fiberglass fairing pieces? Or do I have to fabricate those? Can I cut out the back of the cab without major structural consequences? I know I'll probably have to put a header in the box over the opening.

2:Suspension. Most trucks are a pretty hard ride until they reach their rated load, which I probably wont reach with an interior fit out. How involved and expensive is installing an improved (air?) suspension?

3:I see a lot of trucks out there with 250K + miles out there. I am thinking that's not a lot and there's another 200+ in there for me without major repairs......am I dreaming? This is an example of what I'm liking (minus the side doors....)

http://www.truckertotrucker.com/listings/144661.cfm

This one's too long, but a heck of a truck....

http://www.truckertotrucker.com/trucking/box-trucks.cfm

Any other comments? Any links to someone who's done this?

Thanks.

03-26-2012, 03:18 AM	#1
Oscarvan Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 70	Box truck conversion In the ongoing series "doodeling and dreaming" What I want is a max 30' truck with cab (9-10'), minimal living quarters for two (10') and the rest garage. Of course the only thing between me and a nice long meeting with a designer at a top grade conversion company is that minor matter of the budget. So one line of thought is to get a box truck and convert it. (Which is why I am on this forum). I've got the cutters, grinders, torches and welders and somewhat know how to use them. So again, I'm thinking about converting a box truck. (Reefer maybe? would take care of insulation.......) The first questions that pop up are: 1:Connecting the box to the truck. Assuming the cab is un-sprung and doesn't move in relation to the box, are there seals out there that one can bolt on? Fiberglass fairing pieces? Or do I have to fabricate those? Can I cut out the back of the cab without major structural consequences? I know I'll probably have to put a header in the box over the opening. 2:Suspension. Most trucks are a pretty hard ride until they reach their rated load, which I probably wont reach with an interior fit out. How involved and expensive is installing an improved (air?) suspension? 3:I see a lot of trucks out there with 250K + miles out there. I am thinking that's not a lot and there's another 200+ in there for me without major repairs......am I dreaming? This is an example of what I'm liking (minus the side doors....) http://www.truckertotrucker.com/listings/144661.cfm This one's too long, but a heck of a truck.... http://www.truckertotrucker.com/trucking/box-trucks.cfm Any other comments? Any links to someone who's done this? Thanks.