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
Thinking about a new dry van
Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by 86scotty, Feb 5, 2021.
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Rideandrepair, Brettj3876, 77fib77 and 3 others Thank this.
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Here's the current wagon, new one isn't going to be much different:
OldeSkool, Dave_in_AZ, Rideandrepair and 5 others Thank this. -
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
Rideandrepair, Brettj3876 and 86scotty Thank this. -
Call different dealers for the same brand, many dealers have build slots available, you might find one that fits your timing.
Rideandrepair, Brettj3876, Midwest Trucker and 1 other person Thank this. -
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
Rideandrepair Thanks this. -
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.
Rideandrepair Thanks this. -
Utility in Dallas told me yesterday they were booked out until September. And even then they only have 30 not spoken more
Rideandrepair and 86scotty Thank this. -
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.
black_dog106, Rideandrepair, Brettj3876 and 1 other person Thank this. -
Make the rear axle a lift axle makes it real nice
Rideandrepair Thanks this. -
Rideandrepair Thanks this.
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