So you are looking into step vans for sale. This van is called a step van, because of the ease of stepping in and out of the vehicle. They are not used as passenger carrying vehicles and are mainly used by courier and delivery services. These are more box-shaped and are higher than other vans. What else do you need to know about step vans for sale?
The height of the step van is a concern, as it has a tendency to roll over when driven by an inexperienced driver. The higher centre of gravity, which the original style frame used in a pick-up does not have, is thought to be the cause of the roll overs. There is a passenger version of this, with a higher suspension, and when fully loaded with 15 passengers, is prone to this roll over factor. As it has benches, the passengers can slide, thus shifting the weight if they are not buckled up.The seating raises the centre of gravity further, by shifting it to the rear.
There is a difference in handling this vehicle as compared to the standard automobile. It is advised by the U.S. NHTSA that fewer than 10 passengers be carried at one time in these vehicles, and having them seated closer to the front of the step van, for safety reasons. Also that they buckle up. Driver handling is important, and the more experience driver used to handling this step van will learn how to deal with the load handling capacity of the vehicle.
Stickers have been added by car rental companies, warning people renting these vehicles about the handling of such vehicles. Adding item to the roof rack is definetely out.
Step vans are sometimes called walk-in trucks. These are bare chassis received by the second generation manufacturer. The truck bodies are then manufactured to order. Fedex and Ice Cream trucks are some of these. Their cabs have either 1 or 2 sliding doors, which can be locked in the open position, while using low speed driving for deliveries. The doors are either hinged or rolled up for cargo handling. A great amount of customization can be done on these step vans with the addition of oxygen tanks, hinged shelving, laundry racks, air conditioning, lift gates, and seats and windows added.
User of this type of step van are Fedex, and the US Postal service. Ice Cream vans are also step vans.
Another type of step van is a vehicle with a box attached. Mainly diesel, these are used for large haulage. These step van truck bodies have wooden flooring and slats on the interior walls. There is no access from the cab, only the rear doors.
Step vans also known as multi-stop trucks, are used as bakery and bread delivery vans. They are also used by fire departments as ambulances. They are utility vehicles used for canteens, and radio command centres. S.W.A.T. teams and special units also make use of them. If you need to get one, check out the step vans for sale listings.