Transporting with a van ?

[qqrooney]

Hey guys does any one here use a van to haul the planes ? I mean those 12 or 15 passenger gmc or chevy ones. I am thinking of getting one to haul my 3.3 yak and 50% edge, one at a time ofcourse. Can we see some pics if you got them. Thanks

[Jaybird]

Hell you should be able to haul them both at the same time in a big van.

[SleepyC]

I can fit 2 - 35% planes and a 30% into a Long Chevy Venture..
A work van should hold a ton of planes!

[AEROCOLOR]

Two years ago I went the cargo van route for transporting and have been really pleased with the results. GMC Savana standard wheelbase will hold two 35 or 40% and a 50cc plane,foamy,chairs,canopy, support equipment,wife,dog and a large cooler of .....pop. Also very comfortable to drive for long distances. Gets around 17 to 18 mpg and that`s a V8 with the air on. Wouldn`t do it any other way. Right,Papa Joe?
Bill

[Eury]

I picked up a Ford E-250 3/4 ton work van a few months back for just that purpose. It's not the longest one, but the next size down. I love it, I have no problem putting 2 35% planes in the back with room left over for other stuff. If I made a shelf, I could easily double that. I definitely couldn't get a 50%er in there with the stabs (and the cage that I have between the front and back, contractor style), but pull the stabs and the cage and the tail would fit between the front seats. Hell, I could probably do it with only one stab off, and with a shelf, fit another one on top of that. I'd bet the extended 15 pax version wouldn't need to have it between the seats.

Now you just have to find a good deal on one. Picked mine up for $750, it's a 96 with all the service records, and very cold AC. I'd suggest talking to contractors, and HVAC places, that's how I got mine, they bought a new Chevy, and didn't need the Ford anymore.

[rc4flying]

Here is my Chevy 1500 Van.
I special ordered it to have a finished interior, but no fancy electronics. Just some 12 volt plugs. I do have middle seats that are removed with quick releases to store during the summer.
I can haul 2 40% Cardens plus 10x15 EZup tent and all necessary field and traveling extras (Suitcase and tool boxes)
Has worked very well, plus quiet when traveling. 20 miles to a gallon on the highway.
Pics just has my Yak, but second plane is put in with nose facing the back doors.
This is my 4th van, and I would not haul my planes any other way now.

Also, when taking just one plane to the field, I can leave the stabs on without a problem.

I would not see a problem with a 50% plane, but the tail would be up between the 2 front seats.

hope this helps

[qqrooney]

Thanks guys !! Absolutely amazing. I am going shopping for one now :>:>


rc3flying, is that the extended or regular one ? Thanks again

[rc4flying]

	Quote: Originally Posted by qqrooney
	Thanks guys !! Absolutely amazing. I am going shopping for one now :>:> rc3flying, is that the extended or regular one ? Thanks again

It is just the regular version.

[toprudder]

I have a Ford Club Wagon (regular window van, same size as E150 cargo van) that I bought new in '93, just for hauling planes. I only started flying large scale in the past year. Pulled out the rear bench, and one rear captains chair, and I can fit two 30% planes and all my stuff, including some foamies etc. I have a 33% not built yet, but it should fit without having to take the other seat out. If I get a 40%, I might have to take the other rear seat out.

I have a rack I made years ago for pattern planes, and I made it adjustable. I was able to adjust it to haul my 30% Extra, so I can unpack my canopy, chairs, stuff without having to disturb the plane, or vica-versa.

V8 351ci, gets about 17 mpg last time I checked.

I know QQ has an extended van he hauls his planes with, I've seen it a couple of times.

I saw a guy at Joe Nall that bought a Sprinter delivery type van. Humongous cargo area. He had customized the back so he could sleep in it as well. He even pulled his friends large airplane trailer to Nall and still got about 18mpg (diesel).

Bob R.

[qqrooney]

Toprudder, I was thinking about going with the sprinter or jumper type vans but I heard they drive like crap. So most probably gonna get me the extended van.

[rc4flying]

	Quote: Originally Posted by qqrooney
	Toprudder, I was thinking about going with the sprinter or jumper type vans but I heard they drive like crap. So most probably gonna get me the extended van.

Just don't get one with the extended high top.
My brother has had 2 of them, and I thought the both drove like crap. To me, there always seems to be a lot of body sway. Mine drives like a dream.

[qqrooney]

Thanks for the heads up, definetly not going with the high roof one.