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looking for a cargo van...

Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 7:21 pm
by Pajero
I currently have a 2000 dodge ram 2500 cargo van for my work and I HATE it!, its expensive to repair, sucks in the snow even with studded tires and guzzles gas. I love my Pajero and was thinking I would like a 4wd van, but I'm not sure if a delica will be big enough, is there any other cargo vans (or vans in general as i can convert it)that are bigger inside?? also what would be the inside demensions of a l400 LWB from the back of the front seat to the back door if all the seats were removed?

Thanks

Joe

Re: looking for a cargo van...

Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 7:26 pm
by thedjjack
How much weight are you carrying? That would be another consideration.

Re: looking for a cargo van...

Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 7:31 pm
by Pajero
thedjjack wrote:How much weight are you carrying? That would be another consideration.

Not much weight at all as I'm a painting contractor so just my gear for that which is light.

Re: looking for a cargo van...

Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 8:01 pm
by konadog
I can only speak for an L-300 but I suspect a 400 is similar - with the seats out the back of a delica is pretty big... Ever consider a trailer you could tow behind the Paj?

Re: looking for a cargo van...

Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 8:32 pm
by Pajero
konadog wrote:I can only speak for an L-300 but I suspect a 400 is similar - with the seats out the back of a delica is pretty big... Ever consider a trailer you could tow behind the Paj?

I thought about it but in winter here it would not be great, and parking would be hard.

Re: looking for a cargo van...

Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 10:08 pm
by Rising Sun Auto Import
I would recommend PD5V model cargo delica.
http://www.rs-import.ca/shop/step1.php?number=688

** 2500cc 4D56T engine ( same as L300 ), low roof, 5 speed manual, 2/5seats, L400 chassis.part time 4WD.

Perfect for construction business. :-)

Steven

Re: looking for a cargo van...

Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 10:26 pm
by psilosin
I believe I saw that exact van in Penticton this summer. The dual sliding doors were sweet. Are these pretty rare to source?

Re: looking for a cargo van...

Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 10:29 pm
by thedjjack
Rising Sun Auto Import wrote:I would recommend PD5V model cargo delica.
http://www.rs-import.ca/shop/step1.php?number=688

** 2500cc 4D56T engine ( same as L300 ), low roof, 5 speed manual, 2/5seats, L400 chassis.part time 4WD.

Perfect for construction business. :-)

Steven
I would stay away from the 4D56T if getting the L400 body style. Newer motor is so much better especially if you have to drive out of the bowl. Slidding door is nice but not sure worth the oldr motor.

Gut a long wheel base l400 and a ladder rack?

Re: looking for a cargo van...

Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 10:55 pm
by FalcoColumbarius
Pajero wrote:
thedjjack wrote:How much weight are you carrying? That would be another consideration.

Not much weight at all as I'm a painting contractor so just my gear for that which is light.
For what it's worth, I'm a painting contractor as well and I drive a P25W. I have a trailer for certain applications, I have roof bars for ladders and there's lots of space inside to stow fivers, brush boxes, tool chests, Airless, &c..

Falco.

P.S.: The P25W gets into most underground car parks pretty conveniently.

Re: looking for a cargo van...

Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 10:59 pm
by Rising Sun Auto Import
psilosin wrote:I believe I saw that exact van in Penticton this summer. The dual sliding doors were sweet. Are these pretty rare to source?
It is owned by the BC tile business entrepreneur, he works all cross BC.
A little bit hard to get with good condition.
Lots of power, very smooth drive.

As far as I know, nothing compatable exists in 4M40 engine.

Steven :M

Re: looking for a cargo van...

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2011 8:31 am
by pajerry
Depending where you live work and park, you may not want glass panel windows as its really easy to get to your tools. I've been slowly shopping for another service vehicle for work and really humming and hawing over the idea.

Honestly for the money, you'd probably be better off driving a caravan or domestic before a delica. They are cheaper to maintain and easier to source parts. I've seen many painters, siders, whatever work out of them and they take a beating. If your helper puts a ladder through a window, you're not waiting weeks or scouring dealers lots to find the elusive small rear side panel or something. An Astro van would also be perfect as its larger, tougher and also AWD with a trucks drivetrain.

Unless you're going to a canter or other cab over's work trucks, go domestic.

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/c ... 37841.html Even that van, would be better suited.

Or for a song..
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/c ... 13491.html

Or

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/c ... 03969.html Front wheel drive, newer, caged rear cargo area, just needs racks. Plus you'll look much more professional and have a nice white billboard ready for decals..

Just my two cents..

Re: looking for a cargo van...

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2011 11:01 am
by thedjjack
Rising Sun Auto Import wrote:
psilosin wrote:I believe I saw that exact van in Penticton this summer. The dual sliding doors were sweet. Are these pretty rare to source?
It is owned by the BC tile business entrepreneur, he works all cross BC.
A little bit hard to get with good condition.
Lots of power, very smooth drive.

As far as I know, nothing compatable exists in 4M40 engine.

Steven :M
I really do not think I would take 4D56T and dual sliders over a 4M40 with a single door.

For a business the domestic has a few advantages parts wise (fuel costs will be higher).

In PG it would be nice to have at least AWD (Astro or Aerostar).

I would just gut a L400 and panel the back windows over to get the 4M40 (Much better engine design, I own the 4D56T).
The other consideration is the cold. You will need to keep things up to get reliable starts after a 10 hour day unplugged at -30C (I ran propane last time I lived in PG and propane does not like -30)

Re: looking for a cargo van...

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2011 11:21 am
by Pajero
[
Steven :M[/quote]

I really do not think I would take 4D56T and dual sliders over a 4M40 with a single door.
In PG it would be nice to have at least AWD (Astro or Aerostar).

I would just gut a L400 and panel the back windows over to get the 4M40 (Much better engine design, I own the 4D56T).
The other consideration is the cold. You will need to keep things up to get reliable starts after a 10 hour day unplugged at -30C (I ran propane last time I lived in PG and propane does not like -30)[/quote]

Yeah I would prefer to only have one sliding door as you would loose alot of shelving space that way. yeah my Pajero does not like the cold but will start in -25 without being plugged in but it takes alot of cranking.....