Box Truck vs Step Van Which is Better for RV Conversion? E548 

Theres no comparison to physically see what you 2 gents are explaining... If you did this video with both vehicles side by side... It will be much more helpful

I recommend for general maintenence on an RV truck that you use a lot to change your rear break pads at least every 25 thousand miles and check your wheel alignment because weight distribution in your RV can wreak havoc with your proper functionality of your truck. Of course change your oil, spark plugs and make sure if you can to spray the bottom of your chasis so that it doesn't rust out on you. If you can avoid going off road then don't go off road. That alone will cut down on maintenence big time.

Excellent comparison video of step van vs box truck.. You two have good communication skills in front of the camera. Learned a lot. Thank you guys.

I have driven both in my work, and each has its pros and cons. The box trucks had that AC advantage but shorter footprint for living area. They also had very high rear bumpers for stepping up into the cargo area, which was hard on my knees. The step van is not so comfort-oriented, but greater potential living area, as well as a bit more head room. Either one works for me, but I do have a step van, and I don't regret it.

A couple of points. One thing you failed to mention is the cost of tires. Tires for the box truck will be cheaper than tires for the step van. The gas engine in the newer Chevy vans will most likely be the 6.0L. it is a very reliable engine and will do well over 200,000 possibly 300,00 + miles. I average 11 miles per gallon in mine. It is a 3500 box truck with dual tires on the rear axle. I've owned Ford vans with diesel engines and the room to work on them was nonexistent. I would have had to pull the engine just to replace the injectors. It was the kiss of death for that van. If it had been a pickup it would have been an easy job that I could have done myself. It will be easier to find a mechanic that can work on the gas engine. It will be cheaper also. I have mixed feelings about the fiberglass roof on the box. I recommend that the roof whether it is aluminum or fiberglass be painted with a coat of elastomeric roof coat or some other type of flexible white roof sealant. This will reflect the sunlight and reduce heat buildup inside the box. Even with this coat, light is able to make it through on the fiberglass roof. If you insulate the roof this point is moot. It is harder to mount solar panels to a fiberglass roof. Most likely need to have some type of a rack installed. If you use z brackets you'll have to attach them directly to the aluminum cross members underneath the fiberglass. Depending upon the size of the box, most box trucks will have a higher ground clearance then a step van. Most likely have a shorter wheelbase also. This is a factor if you plan to go off pavement to boondock. Box trucks usually have more room underneath for adding things such as auxiliary fuel tanks, tool boxes, gray / black water tanks, etc. I am 6'2" and the Chevy Express is comfortable for me. The seats in step Vans are only good for about an hour ride. Step Vans are a lot easier to work on. Lots of room around the engine.

I would like to add ; the fiberglass roofs let in more sunlight, but... also quite a bit of heat !! A couple coats of white cool seal really helps, along with a 3/4" air gap, then 1" polyiso with a radiant foil barrier. Works in south Florida!

I am at the point of making the decision between these two styles of RV so this was helpful. So, im leaning towards a box truck.

What about registration, annual state inspections, and insurance? Is there any significant difference?

EXCELLENT VIDEO! This information is priceless. Thank you guys for doing this. I've been considering both and had thought of an old UPS stepvan, but the info you just gave makes sense to stay away from beaters. An individual owner maintained is what I'll be looking for. With a lift 😁 old knees. I actually used to drive UPS. You guys stay safe and thank you!

19:40 This one of my favorite tips, and something I would not think of. I was happy to see this vid come out, anticipating your excellent attention to detail and great analytical skills. You are a natural teacher, Seven. Thank you.

If we are comparing box trucks to step vans, why not go a bit further upgraded in terms of box truck, and go with a Box Type Ambulance ? The box is made of Aluminum, has tons of storage, both inside, and outside, has both a rear entrance, and side entrance, they also have electric, heat, and a/c, as well as a bench seat that could easily be converted into a bed with a bit of work.

You can add an aftermarket cruise control to your Step van fairly reasonable.. Same with an aftermarket AC.. Or salvage yard and buy the whole AC system out of a car or truck.

Feels like I was sitting there with you! nice show! Thanks!

I have a ValueVan, I thought about it along time b4 buying it. I don't agree with alot of things you say, 1st I have a roll up door..love it. 2nd its gas, 350 auto, cheap and easy to service..and no diesel smell, or noise. 3rd It had a liftgate..hated it, heavy, noisy, ugly. 4th love the bay window, and 2 swivel recliners, its where I spend the most time..not just a place for driving. Last, it's a mid length, so it's just a pickup with a box, so driving it is easy and fun. Just sayin.. ✌

step van gives you maximum interior space for the shortest vehicle length, important if you boondock in cities or other places where a long vehicle is a detriment. but, step vans are not comfortable to drive for long distances. again, if you live and boondock in a city this really isn't a problem since you won't be driving hundreds of miles per day.

The type of box truck you are comparing is a 1 ton chassis and the Mt45 step van is more like a 2.5 ton vehicle. Owning a step van diesel vehicle parts for repairs on both the chassis and the body are harder to find and more expensive. The common motor speaking of diesels is typically 5.9 and 6.7 Cummins. Both are very reliable and strong. The gas motors are the same as you would find in a box truck. The step van has better accessible to the engine than in a van. Both have a "dog house" access panel but but more room in the step van. Replacement of engine on a gas vehicle can be a couple thousand dollars but a diesel engine could be eight to ton thousand or more depending on brand and source. My 6.4l diesel I was quoted around 15-18k to replace it. There are a few more parts on the diesel engine that can cost you a bit. Turbo or turbos(remanufactured from dealer was 6k for parts), DPF (3k on my international) on newer vehicles and injector pump(6k on my international). Cummins is a much more reliable engine. Just my experience with a box truck, international and a step van, MT45 Freightliner.

Excellent video! you both reaffirmed many of my thoughts as I decide which way I want to go when I start my build. What are your thoughts on towing a "daily driver" car, though?Which truck would you lean towards if you had to haul around another car with you everywhere you go? My Dad's '30 Ford Model A Town Sedan is my daily driver. Runs like a champ, is tons of fun, and draws a lot of love; so it's definitely going everywhere with me. The type of car is irrelevant though. Many people tow a Jeep or some other daily driver car behind them to get around once they set up base camp. I'm personally starting to steer towards a U-Haul myself, due to it's built in towing abilities. The "Mom's Attic" would be a great place for my solar stuff and a mini split AC/heat unit on one side, and even a nice large fresh water tank on the other side as well. My big question still comes down to thoughts on towing a car trailer though. Do you guys have any thoughts on towing?

Would have been cool to step outside and let us see them side by side also. But, very informative. The better visibility would sway me to the step van for sure.

I like the box truck with lockable walk-thru doorway from the drivers compartment as well as side door step entry with insulated ceiling and side walls.

Great video I have found heavy duty brakes are less costly to work in then light duty trucks

Lots of good information. Well done Seven and Dale! That Dale is quite a guy...I enjoyed seeing him in the other videos as well :-) Thank you Seven great content!

My concern yeah these types of vehicles are the way to go but what about wind issue? Id be afraid high winds would make it shake or worse knock it over.

I'm planning a box truck, but I want the big boy version. A higher floor, heavier duty everything. I'm going to have a double door set up with a roll up amd an inset swing door with windows. In that configuration, the large space under the floor will hold tanks, batteries, refrigeration, and vents. The hood will be a tip up for easier mechanical access. Walls, floor amd ceiling will be very well insulated. This will allow the solar to run radiant cooling, fpr warm climates and radiant heat for staying warm in the winter. Car will be towed.

Super informative video thanks 🙏You can get lots of natural light through the roof. The right box van is superior depending on your desires.

Very useful information and great dialogue to listen to. Nice work, thanks!! What was missing though was a photo of each side by side to visualize.

you mean that it's just two guys talking?!? SEVEN, You didn't get out and compare visually - You just made a PODCAST with a Camera HAHAHA Kidding, you are a great guy and next time ask me first hahaha

Great video. Love Dale, have seen him on other videos and he always seems SO helpful and kind!

Typically stepvans have a lot of stop-go action city miles put on them, whereas a box truck tends to be more highway miles, so for wear and tear based simply on miles driven, I think the advantage is probably toward the box trucks. However, for a box truck rented only locally, like those $20 a day type for people moving from one home to another, the wear factor might be similar to a step van delivery type.

I have a Cargo Van we have camped in industrial area's no one pays attention to a Cargo Van / Step Van / Box Truck now a residential area I'm sure would be a little different

For one person I think the step van has the clear advantage. The passenger space is your main entrance and frees up the space where he cut in a door to the box truck. It also allows you to section off a portion of the back as a garage, only accessed from the outside. This keeps things like bikes, grills, propane, generators, tools, gas cans etc. out of your living space.

I think the step van like in this is better for me...it’s easier to control temperatures in the front bed area of a step van than a box truck. My bed will be in the area above the cab and to the back of the cargo area...it will be able to be closed off so the temperatures are easier to control.

What a great video. This was a very comprehensive comparison. Thank you both for doing this and sharing it with us all.

Those darn dippy springs. :) Keep up the good work .

I looked at and test drove a GMC box truck. It was called a cutaway van. I think the interior floor length was 16'. It had a sliding side door into the box. It rode good. A little too big for me.

Very informative, I believe that they are equally the same for practicality. Gotta give comfort to the Box truck so comes down to the experience, gas mileage, and personal preferences. ☮️❤️🤗

Why didn’t you show the difference? Talking is boring.

Really enjoyed both inputs into this video bro and I learned some things along the way. All the best

I found it interesting when you were talking about gas vs diesel and maintenance neither of you mentioned the fact that with a gas engine you will be changing the oil about every 3000 to 5000 miles with standard oil and every 7000 to 12000 when using a high grade synthetic oil where with a deasil engine you would change the oil at around 10000 to 15000 miles using standard 15/40 Diesel oil or 50000 to 75000 when using a high grade synthetic. Also a gas engine does no have the same power for pulling hills nor the life expectancy of a diesel engine. Another thing that is good about diesel engines, is you can literally let a diesel engine idle for days on end without it ever over heating as long as the engine fan is working properly, not so with a gas engine. Another thing that is nice about diesel is its a good bug repellant. "{ DO NOT RUB ON SKIN ]" A little diesel in a small bed of hot coals will create a dark smoke that rises into the trees and will keep bugs at bay for several hours.

Love your commentary but I agree with others that even a couple of pictures to demonstrate differences would have made your talk much more educational. Overall great job, and thanks for the info!

Is it hard to convert a commercial registration to a house vehicle or non-commercial registration? Are some states more or less difficult?

Very informative. Thanks for creating such helpful content! Would be great if I could meet you both to learn more.

Great video Seven. Great shirt Dale! Had the pleasure of meeting Alex at the Big Mass Tiny House Festival this year! Hoping I cross paths one day with each of you.

Seven, you do great videos, but would suggest that you use the screen time to show what you are talking about, rather than being on camera.

Sadly no mention of GVWR comparisons. (max weight your insurance company will cover/may find legal troubles if exceeded when crossing state lines.)

Cummins power matched to Allison transmission rules!

The new Ford transit Frito lay truck is a hybrid brid good fuel mileage extra length. The option to use a hot water engine heater like a school bus. . you did not discus 15 passenger bus for airport shuttle. Looks like an option in the future with Tesla conversion. Buy a wrecked Tesla car land transfer parts. Leaves an option to buy a wrecked RV drive train and convert.

Howsy, Thanks for sharing, liked and subscribed. Im just curious, the man with the doesel box truck said he gets about 14 mpg and if it were gasoline itd get maybe 16-17 mpg. This was roughly between 15 mins 30 secs to 16 mins 10 seconds in this video. I'm thinking i either heard him wrong, though i played it over a few times. Ive owned both gasoline and diesel vehicles from as small as a 1.9 liter VW diesel to a 9 liter 6v92ta Detroit Diesel and everything in between those sizes and never did any gasoline powered vehicles beat the diesels (when comparing similar size and weight). Just going by experience, ive yet to see a gasoline box truck get more mpg than a diesel,again I thonk he said 14 mpg for his diesel vs 16-17 for a gasoline one. Unless im hearing hom wrong and hes saying 6-7 mpg for a gasoline box truck. Ive gotten around that in a ford E-450 15' box with the 6.8 l v-10 If any of y'all happen to have heard that part, please lmk, much appreciated 👍👍

Forgot to mention it was a fiberglass body with fiberglass roof. And pass through door in between driver's area and box. Hardwood floor. Looked like a furniture delivery truck. Had the built in cowl over the cab. I didn't buy it because it was about $16,000 or $18,000. Had 80,000 miles for a 2012. I don't have the room for a truck now. Maybe a van.

Actually, 2 other well known vanlifers (I can't think if all their names right now) did a swap. YT loves to see collaboration between other YTers. It can cause your videos (2) to be recommended and t get tons of views. Search RU-vid collaboration to see the best way to collaborate.

Are you kidding? You don't show the vehicles??

Unless you find a low rider style U-Haul box truck, I don't like the thought of climbing up into the box. A liftgate would be nice for as you guys said, a raised patio and workbench, but again we're having to run a lift gate to get into the "house". If a box truck, it would have to be particular in its specializations, such as cab entry door, and side entranceway with steps. Throw these in with the liftgate and I'll go box truck. Good luck finding one.

Great video but it has been my experience that a diesel van may be a "little" cheaper then a industrial vehicle to maintain but still not as inexpensive as a gas vehicle to maintain. A diesel vehicle is just going to cost more. They are bigger, heavier and over built to handle a heavier load.

You can add a after market cruise control to you van.

The bigger problem most people will have is where to get them serviced. 1ton box truck more shops will be willing to work on where a large step van has to go to a bigger place. More money per labor hour. But all together it comes down to personal preference. I have thought about large trucks but with pets not a fan of the front sliding doors while driving.

The future is electric conversion with brake system and. Charging. System. The future will be Amazon delivery as an income source. Thus a modular living space that is removable to a mini storage or cargo trailer may open opportunity . a lift gate with a motorbike for local transit.

12:56. Discusses advantages of having liftgate on box truck. (Step up, seat, work bench, patio.)

Interesting conversation gentlemen. I have a "few years" on you both and am somewhat of a "girly girl." I totally love my 1998 Lazy Daze mid-bath with the rear "mermaid lounge" and panoramic windows. Cheryl in New Mexico

Great episode!

I dig the reuse shirt, where'd you get it?

Just love this interview Seven - best ever !

Gas mileage number one number two if you have a step van what kind of a job would not use it as stop and go stop and go I mean far as I know even if it's bread is stop and go so I don't know where you would find a step band that doesn't stop and go constantly other than that that was pretty good video I would like to know about the diesel vs gas in the mileage per gallon

Awesome video good to see Dale very good video on comparison 👍👍🛠🇨🇦

im curious if any 1 has built a unit too live in plus be able to haule 2 pallets of product for delivery work ???

This was so informative!!! Amazing video. Tha k u so much

Ithink my name says it all for me,geat info thank you for sharing ,hugs from MN

Very informative & helpful. Thankyou

Running cost of the bare bones van should take president. There after, the need to build an efficient interior is next.

Really as very nice side by side video. But here is a bit of trivia concerning step vans. There are a lot of used step vans on the market that for the most part are built for deliveries. What is the one company in North America that you will NEVER be able to find one of their step vans anywhere to purchase used?

Great detailed comparison. Thank you.

Thanks for all this information!!!!

Out of curiosity, IS stealth necessary? I am about to do a build from a box truck, and WANT it to look like a wee tiny home. Is this unwise?

Great video! I'm only slightly 🚚 biased 😝

I disagree with the concept to avoid things like FedEx trucks, etc. They have a very high compliance maintenance policy on their trucks.

Stealth and security points to the step vans….no need to go outside and climb in if you pull over and just wanna hit the sack….If there is activity around you that you don’t like, you don’t have to go outside and be exposed to move your truck. There are some box trucks (mostly ex tool trucks) that have cab access and a nice side entry door on the box and swing rear doors with lift gate….big trucks though.

Great content & very informative info in this vlog .

Great video... Good info!!! Gratitide!!!

Great vid... great advice...

Has your friend ever done the RTR?

Seven, Did you ever replace your truck shock absorbers? Replacement Bilstein gas shocks would not be expensive or difficult. www.shockwarehouse.com

FedEx has air conditioning, ups doesn’t.

Helpful.

Holy shit IT'S FUCKING DALE!!!!

I decided that a step van is not for me after watching another video about the cons. Such as noise factor, ease of driving, lack of air conditioning, etc.

Being stealth is a moot point the minute the police run your plates...it will not be listed as a commercial vehicle

Oh no. George Lucas created the Star Wars franchise worth billions and now he is sleeping in a truck. Wow.

There are lots of videos of people adding 2 stroke oil to their diesel fuel to get better performance, mileage and lubrication of engine.

....easy choice - a box truck.

I can only dream:)

You have a cab... Why you have "cab air conditioning" lol

No link to the tours????

Step van in my opinion.

Diesel tho you gotta put that additive in it? Dont know about that.

These guys make such a cute couple. LGBT ... Liberals, Guns, Beer Trump.

Box truck

Seven, I see you already know of this video but I think your viewers will enjoy seeing this one: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-AZOlWc2ueGo.html A sweet step van build.

I'm going to go with the box truck for size (24ft) and if you can get from the cab into the truck having a walk through (taking out bench seats) I think you could get more people in a box truck