I'm getting a new van next week (GMC 1-ton Deisel with long wheel base) I am retiring my Chevy van with 176,000 mile on it after I was told that it needs a new rear end.

Any how, I am happy with the set up of my current van but I am looking for some new ideas. My current van is the shorter wheel base so I will have extra room in the new one. I'm trying to figure out what to do with the extra room.

Brian

One thing i have seen and like to try is having a false floor maybe the width of a 2x4 were PVC and conduit and ground rods could be stored.

Try American Van.

Coffee/Lunch station.

I will be buying through American Van.

I've been looking at the "Jet Rack". Looks like it would be a nice feature.

Brian

http://www.americanvan.com/catalog/standard_dynamic_wrap.cfm?FamilyID=324

Dammit! Somebody beat to marketing this.... I'll take a picture of the one I made in my van tomorrow. Mine is not so elablorate... But loads from the side door....

FYI - I got the idea yaers ago from a guy I used to work with who had an interesting pully system as a ladder rack in his van. It worked graet, nearly identical to this. And keeps the ladder dry, nothing like dragging a dripping wet ladder into a finished home.

This is how my van is laid out, it's odd but works for me....

[This message has been edited by e57 (edited 09-07-2006).]

Brian,

Is your dealer using the American van package as the one that you get free from Chevy? If not you may want to check out the free package. There should be several upfit options.

Email me and I can call you.

That trick ladder rack was invented by an electrician outside Chicago. About two years ago, he had a prototype ready, and actually posted at ECN for suggestions in bringing ti to market.
First marketing it direct, he quickly was able to work a deal with Adrian Steel.

I think it goes for about $100.

Reno, I guy I know made one nearly identical to it in say 94.... Think he lives in Jersey now... But had a pulley to pull the ladder in. I think the idea has been around a while, I have had something simular in 3 different trucks. Just wish I got around to selling them....

[This message has been edited by e57 (edited 09-07-2006).]

Check out Adrian Steel also.

Just remember that one of the causes for rearend failure in vans is over loading which puts to much stress on the axel bearings and differential. I worked for an E/C with lots of vans and they went through a lot of rear ends attributiable to overloading the vehicle with tools, stock and trash.

I checked out the one from Adrian Steel. They want over $ 200.00 for it compared to $80.00 from American Van. Adrian Steel's looks alot better but not $120.00 worth.

Getting back to my rear end... My rear end has 175,000 miles on it. My rear springs have been flat since I bought the van new in 99.

I need some more lay-out and storage ideas. I picked up the new van today and I still have my old one. i am using all of my shelving from my old van but have extra room in the new one.

I've got that ladder holder from the Chicago guy. I ordered it for $90 and still had to supply my own unistrut. It's okay. Takes up head room, but I guess that's better than floor space. Getting it in and out can be a back breaker if you don't extend the weight away from your body carfully. I put a small hole in the top of ladder (agaist OSHA I'm sure) with a hole saw to catch the the cleat up front. It can be a little cumbersome on the lower back until you get the front hooked. To do it over again I'd still get it.

I'm a fan of the long drawers that bring the material out of the truck toward you ranther than having to climb into the truck to get it. I've been eyeing the GMC with the exterior access doors where windows would be if it were a conversion van. I'd love to swap van photos here for ideas, but I'd have to get some pictures first, could be awhile.