Build Me The Ultimate Residential Service Truck

[MAK]

I see only one ladder. Probably a six footer? Do you not need an assortment of ladders? Great setup.

Edit: Looks like you put some serious thought into a layout that works well for you.

 

[MikeGee]

Fulthrotlnice truck. I dig the sound system.

 

[Fulthrotl]

I see only one ladder. Probably a six footer? Do you not need an assortment of ladders? Great setup.

Edit: Looks like you put some serious thought into a layout that works well for you.

i'd been fiddling with stuff before taking those pictures... the two ladders
fit one atop the other, with the little giant ladder on the bottom. it
was in the garage at the time i took the photos.
the little giant i use is 5' long when collapsed, and a-frames up to 10',
and extension ladders up to 19', so that one ladder does the work of
several for me. there wasn't any pipe in the 6" pvc either, as i was in the
process of snoodling a second 6" in alongside it. if i need to go higher
than 19', i call www.elcheapolift.com (they really do exist. honest)

the whole idea is to make it easy to grab and dash. if i'm running
large pvc, i can grab a couple poly tubs of stuff, and switch them
for a couple tubs in the back of the van. same with can lights,
cable pulling, or anything else. target had a sale on those tubs for
$6 each, and i bought two dozen.

it's still just a van, and not a box truck or conex container,
and there is a limit to how many marshmallows you can pack
into a piggy bank.


randy

 

[Fulthrotl]

Fulthrotl Nice work. I would be proud to work out of that.

JJ

i'll pass your compliment on to my patient and compassionate wife,
who upon finding out what all this stuff costs, said that the next
thing i should consider installing is a bed, as i might need it.......

i think that means that van development is just about complete.


randy

 

[Tiger Electrical]

it's still just a van, and not a box truck or conex container,
and there is a limit to how many marshmallows you can pack
into a piggy bank.


randy

I'm in the process of seeing how many marshmallows I can pack into my new piggy bank. I can see already you've got me beat. I'm probably older than you though, I don't want to lift those bins from shoulder height, but I like your style for access without climbing in. Nice work TIG welding the frame together. I'm playing with wood.

Dave

 

[iwire]

i did go crazy.
ok... you *did* ask for the vehicle particulars

Outstanding rig Randy, some great ideas there. Thanks for sharing the photos.

 

[frizbeedog]

Outstanding rig Randy, some great ideas there. Thanks for sharing the photos.

I second that. Excellent post. Thanks for your time.

Thanks to all for taking the time to post your pics and share your ideas. I'm always looking for ideas to be more productive, and will make some changes based on your replies.

Mostly it boils down to what works for you.

 

[bjp_ne_elec]

Randy - that parts/tool tote at the end of the pics - is that home made? I like it, and was wondering if it's available to order through someone.

Nice truck!

 

[Fulthrotl]

Randy - that parts/tool tote at the end of the pics - is that home made? I like it, and was wondering if it's available to order through someone.

Nice truck!

the bins can be found here:
http://www.akro-mils.com/

the stainless steel can be found at a sheet metal shop near you.....
the main reason i did it that way was so i could use the bins in my
van near the work, sort of a mothership/shuttlecraft plan.

randy

 

[cadpoint]

Frizbeedog

Frizbeedog

Well, looks like the CA boys have my vote, ah how deep are you pockets ?:grin:

 

[Greg Swartz]

Building out trucks has always been my hobby. After many decades I ended up using 16' box vans. They are more difficult to park and suck up gas but we make very few trips to the supply houses. They can also haul a bunch of cargo in the center aisle if needed and I can squeeze in a 16" step ladder inside.

For a service van, I want to drive to any standard job and be equipped to do it sight unseen. I want to keep the most used items the most accessible. I want items in a logical order and I want all trucks set up identically.

I also want a rolling billboard with our name plastered all over it.

I'm sure everyone has seen them before but......

Even if I don't know what I'm doing, I LOOK like I do.

Totally freaking awesome!

I am copying all those pictures, just so I know how to make the next one look!

AWESOME!

 

[jayrad1122]

220/221,

What keeps all the bins in place? I've been trying to look for a lip or something but I can't really see one. I can only imagine going around a hard turn and have all the bins from the one side on the floor.

-Jared

 

[220/221]

A couple of things keep them in place.

1) I designed the racks to hold the bins pretty tight, side to side, in small groups of three. There is also very little front to back slack.....maybe 3/8".

2) The smaller shelves are 1/2" OSB, supported in front with 1" angle. This gives enough of a lip to keep them in place.

I screwed the racks together and then welded them once assembled and in place.

 

[emahler]

my idea of the perfect service vehicle...great gas mileage...

 

[jayrad1122]

A couple of things keep them in place.

1) I designed the racks to hold the bins pretty tight, side to side, in small groups of three. There is also very little front to back slack.....maybe 3/8".

2) The smaller shelves are 1/2" OSB, supported in front with 1" angle. This gives enough of a lip to keep them in place.

I screwed the racks together and then welded them once assembled and in place.

I see it now. Thanks. It looks really nice.

 

[Fulthrotl]

Well, looks like the CA boys have my vote, ah how deep are you pockets ?:grin:

it's easy to tell how deep they are, as there isn't much money left in
them to confuse me......

randy

 

[bobbyho]

I have had major truck envy over these pictures for years now. There are a few things that get me excited: workshops, pimped out work trucks/trailers and home offices. There are others but I am not going to discuss those. I find on the number of houses that I go into that they may have great kitchens, family rooms or theaters (well, I guess those are cool too) but it is the home office or the workshop at these places that get me jealous. I have tried to post pix of my truck but have remained unable to do so, oh well.

 

[220/221]

I have tried to post pix of my truck but have remained unable to do so, oh well.

1. Go to Photbucket.com and set up a free account.
2. Upload your pics to your account
3. Click the Insert Image icon at the top of the post (next to the quote icon)
4. copy and paste the URL from the Photobucket pic in the box that pops up
(delete the existing http//)

Or...... send them to me and I'll post em for you fabco@cox.net

 

[iwire]

I screwed the racks together and then welded them once assembled and in place.

It really is a great looking job, strong but not overkill, tons of storage and I could stand up like a human. :smile:

 

[stickboy1375]

I didnt see the snap in bushing bin on 220/221's trucks. :grin: