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So... You know I like to overanalyze things. I need input.
I originally got an M934 but realized the length was a limitation and the way the body expanded was virtually useless for planning purposes. I sold it.
I figured I'd get a deuce (And I did) then realized that due to parts availability, probably wasn't the best vehicle to use as a daily driver.... Sold it.
Meanwhile, I picked up a 16' van body (box truck 'box') and was planning on what truck to get and ended up with an M939A2. I got it dirt cheap. I ended buying about $800 in aluminum that I'd need to finish the inside and close up the front and rear (Sliding door removed). I was going to insulate it as well.
Meanwhile the world has fallen apart around us, and the cost of insulation has balloned from $800-1200 to well over $3K.. putting that much time and effort into that box is a waste of time and money.
So, I'm now left with basically 2 options.....
1) A reefer van body. 6"+ insulation on all sides means I can pretty much heat it with a candle and my body heat in 30* weather. Downside is....you start doing the math on how much space that removes from the interior and I'm left with 7x15x6.5 (WxLxH) and I'm 6'2 so basically means I can't mount anything on the ceiling. The other issue is any wiring will have to be on the wall in conduit, which actually isn't a problem at all, but what is a problem is then mounting lights, antennas, and other necessary items to the exterior and finding secure ways to run wires to the interior without destroying half the insulation. Also a fiberglass body, which means can't really repair on the side of the road. The van body can be directly mounted to the frame. STD frame width.
2. A cut down conex or reefer. This presents its own issues as well. If it's a reefer we run right back into insulation being present and having to be worked around, but at least the box is metal... If it's a plain ISO box then I will have to insulate it but I can permanently install any lights, electrical,antenna, etc I need. Metal conducts temps so nowhere near as good insulation. It also means I have less money to spend on insulation because the walls are corrugated, which means I'm also going to get uneven insulation. A STD reefer (As opposed to a HC) has more height than the van body reefer. Then I run into issues of mounting. While the van body can mount directly, a conex cannot just be dropped on the frame without extensive modification.
I really do like metal boxes....and much prefer them for their durability and ease of labor for modifying/repairing. But each present their own challenges and benefits.
Thoughts?
I originally got an M934 but realized the length was a limitation and the way the body expanded was virtually useless for planning purposes. I sold it.
I figured I'd get a deuce (And I did) then realized that due to parts availability, probably wasn't the best vehicle to use as a daily driver.... Sold it.
Meanwhile, I picked up a 16' van body (box truck 'box') and was planning on what truck to get and ended up with an M939A2. I got it dirt cheap. I ended buying about $800 in aluminum that I'd need to finish the inside and close up the front and rear (Sliding door removed). I was going to insulate it as well.
Meanwhile the world has fallen apart around us, and the cost of insulation has balloned from $800-1200 to well over $3K.. putting that much time and effort into that box is a waste of time and money.
So, I'm now left with basically 2 options.....
1) A reefer van body. 6"+ insulation on all sides means I can pretty much heat it with a candle and my body heat in 30* weather. Downside is....you start doing the math on how much space that removes from the interior and I'm left with 7x15x6.5 (WxLxH) and I'm 6'2 so basically means I can't mount anything on the ceiling. The other issue is any wiring will have to be on the wall in conduit, which actually isn't a problem at all, but what is a problem is then mounting lights, antennas, and other necessary items to the exterior and finding secure ways to run wires to the interior without destroying half the insulation. Also a fiberglass body, which means can't really repair on the side of the road. The van body can be directly mounted to the frame. STD frame width.
2. A cut down conex or reefer. This presents its own issues as well. If it's a reefer we run right back into insulation being present and having to be worked around, but at least the box is metal... If it's a plain ISO box then I will have to insulate it but I can permanently install any lights, electrical,antenna, etc I need. Metal conducts temps so nowhere near as good insulation. It also means I have less money to spend on insulation because the walls are corrugated, which means I'm also going to get uneven insulation. A STD reefer (As opposed to a HC) has more height than the van body reefer. Then I run into issues of mounting. While the van body can mount directly, a conex cannot just be dropped on the frame without extensive modification.
I really do like metal boxes....and much prefer them for their durability and ease of labor for modifying/repairing. But each present their own challenges and benefits.
Thoughts?