Thinking about a new dry van

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by 86scotty, Feb 5, 2021.

  1. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    I've got a 2015 Champion that has served me well but I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on a new van this coming year. For any of you that have bought one recently or shopped for one I'm wondering what your experience was, price and lead time.

    First, about what is an average van going for these days? Mine will be a custom and upgraded but not too crazy.

    About what kind of wait times have you been told if you have shopped?

    I'm an independent O/O and am fine special ordering and waiting but I don't want to wait 2 years.

    Brands I'm considering:
    Utility
    Great Dane
    maybe Wabash, don't know much about em.

    Spec's I'm considering:
    - Custom paint, silver to match my rig, or maybe even black. Anyone know how if it's worth paying for custom paint?
    - Disc brakes
    - Rear wireless camera (GD has this now, I'd go for it if it was only a few hundred)

    What I'm absolutely going for:
    - 53' van, swing doors, wood floor, solid roof, air ride
    - Alcoas
    - Tire inflation
    - Polished nose and tail
    - Composite walls with lots of E-track
    - Ladder/step or two on rear bumper (mine doesn't have it and it sucks, I'm getting old)
    - Light package, nothing too crazy. My 2015 GD has lights every few feet, top and bottom and I like it
    - NO skirts. I will actually pay extra to have the d*mn things removed. Nothing but trouble
    - 2 spare racks, one for a drive and one for a trailer tire
     
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  3. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    Here's the current wagon, new one isn't going to be much different:

    IMG_4485.jpg IMG_4486.jpg
     
  4. TallJoe

    TallJoe Road Train Member

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    Not a bad idea. You still should have a decent equity on the existing one and for a solo owner operator, a reliable trailer is a must. At this stage the problems may start to occur more often. The floor condition would be the most important determinant and whether or not you started having any water leaks. I'd order one now while this one still works and make a trade or sell it when the new one arrives. Even if the new van cost you $35K - 40K, it is still best option. I bought mine brand new at the end of 2016 and 375 000 miles later, except tires and two brake chambers, it's been pretty much maintenance free.
     
    Last edited: Feb 5, 2021
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  5. Old Man

    Old Man Road Train Member

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    Call different dealers for the same brand, many dealers have build slots available, you might find one that fits your timing.
     
  6. DUNE-T

    DUNE-T Road Train Member

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    My neighbor just called around looking for a dry van. Everyone told him it's gonna be June or later. For a custom build I imagine it would take even longer
     
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  7. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    Thanks fellas. June or even later actually isn't bad, I figured it would be a few months. I have some inquiries in. Hopefully I'll know a little more next week.
     
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  8. flipz34

    flipz34 Light Load Member

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    Utility in Dallas told me yesterday they were booked out until September. And even then they only have 30 not spoken more
     
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  9. Midwest Trucker

    Midwest Trucker Road Train Member

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    You don’t often see vans with aluminum wheels and shiny rears. Sharp. I’m thinking of letting another 2019 van go. I’d sell to a known person such as yourself on here. I generally keep it private but I know your legit.
     
  10. Hanginthere

    Hanginthere Bobtail Member

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    Make the rear axle a lift axle makes it real nice
     
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  11. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    Wonder what that costs? Also, what kind of weight does it add?
     
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