2007 Kenworth
I think a truck like this would be a better investment when compared to vans for expediting. This truck is able to pull up to a dock to load, and can handle more of a payload when compared to other expediting equipment options.
ALLIANCE, Neb., USA—Perrin Manufacturing – an award-winning engineering firm specializing in the design, testing and building of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and auxiliary power units (APUs) for vehicles – unveiled a new, more compact version of its popular PowerCube APU today. The PowerCube Slim packs the same significant HVAC muscle of its predecessor into a thinner profile that fits the mounting space requirements of the majority of North American sleeper cabs. - See more at:http://expeditenow.com/truckgear/401-perrin-introduces-new-powercube-slim.html#sthash.GfT0C2kd.dpuf
Here are some pictures I have found recently on homemade and factory built sleepers:
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I am surprised by the lack of information on sleepers for expedite vans in the U.S. I have found some pictures of homemade sleepers, but there are only a few companies I can find in the United States that make custom cargo van sleepers.
In Europe, small trucks are much more common, and I have found some pictures of sleepers made from Lamar that are put onto Fiat Ducato. I really like the designs and they appear to be taking fuel economy and aerodynamics into consideration.
I would also guess that by the size of the European sleepers, most of the drivers are of smaller stature than their American counterparts. I saw a program on television comparing the road and trucker foods in different countries, and Japan appeared to have the healthiest truck stops. Most truck stops in the United States seem to focus on big gulps and all you can eat buffett with extra gravy, but many truckers are trying to do more cooking in their rigs to avoid the unhealthy options found in most American truckstops.
This space is well utilized with a comfortable cot and plenty of room for several pallets. It also has a nice battery array, inverter, and other electrical components so the driver can recharge electronics or watch television. The use of shelving also contributes to the organization and space of the entire sleeper and cargo area. I like the way insulation is used but the walls are left uncovered which helps to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle.
This partition board is incorporated into the e track to give the driver a separate sleeping space in this cargo van.
Nissan NV Low roof sleeper DIY
DIY sleeper with an OSB partition blocking off the cargo area.
This cargo van has been insulated and the interior walls are finished in what appears to be masonite wallboard.
For an expediter, a custom sleeper is much more than a sleeping quarters; it’s a home away from home.
“Expediters tend to spend a lot more time in their sleepers in between loads. So it needs to be more of a living area than just a place to sleep,” says Jim McFerrin, sales manager for Freightliner of Knoxville. “For typical long-haul tractors, most of the sleepers will have a bunk, refrigerator, television, microwave, but they often don’t have a lounge area. For expediters, we’re putting in a bottom bunk that turns into a ‘booth’ with a table and sitting area. Whereas the freight hauler is going to drive his eight hours, get another load and then keep going, the expediter will unload and might sit there for two to three days.”
That’s why sleepers for expedite trucks are designed with comfort in mind, says Bobby Snyder, sales representative for Fyda Freightliner, based in Columbus, Ohio. “The sleeper design is for drivers to be able to stay out on the road a little longer because expediters are having to wait in the cab more often than those just running dedicated freight. Expediters live in their trucks, so they want it to be as comfortable as possible, especially when they’re husband and wife teams.”
A typical custom sleeper for expediter trucks ranges from 96 to 100 inches in length, which allows for up to 22-foot freight box, while staying within the 40-foot overall truck length requirement. But some expediters are requesting larger sleepers, says Brian Callan, president at Bolt Custom Trucks.
“Traditionally, the largest sleeper we install on an expedite (straight truck) is 100 inches long,” says Callan. “However, it now looks like we will be building at least one 130-inch sleeper on a straight truck in 2015. We have another customer talking about doing a 150-inch sleeper on a straight truck. These larger sleepers are not unusual for us to install on a tractor with a fifth wheel, but the longer sleeper takes away from the full potential of freight box size with a straight truck. It’s a matter of striking the right balance to give customers what they want (and need) for their particular application.”
I have been seeing more one ton trucks hauling campers and flatbed up in this part of northern Minnesota. Last week, I was going into town and saw a really nice white, late model Dodge one ton with a factory made sleeper.
After doing some online research, I found a company called AA Truck Sleepers.
Here is some information about the company from their website:
About Us
We start with a great idea and tons of enthusiasm.
With over 34 years in the business we know the ins and outs truck sleepers. We believe in great design, durability, and usability. Coupled with our amazing fabricators and high quality materials, AA Truck Sleeper LLC always delivers. Manufacturing
AA Truck Sleeper, LLC provides complete design, build, and installation services for truck sleepers, crew cabs, and specialty products in sizes ranging from 32″ long “coffin” sleepers to fully-furnished Super Sleepers in lengths up to 156″ and beyond. We have outfitted trucks of almost every make and model. Remodeling
Along with new product design and installation, we offer interior remodeling on existing truck sleepers whether factory or after-market regardless of manufacturer. We also perform interior remodeling for RV’s and stock trailer living quarters. Repair
AA Truck Sleeper, LLC offers complete repair services for all sleepers whether factory or after-market. We are an authorized Norcold repair center and have certified air conditioning technicians on staff to service both engine driven A/C systems and APU’s.
Check out this video for more information on Hot Shot Trucking:
I recently found some really interesting DIY sleeper builds for cargo vans. In Arizona, I saw quite a few people living in their cargo vans. With easy access to BLM land, and many innovative off grid practices, the Southwest is the ultimate climate for living in a small RV or van during the winter.
The follow pictures of cargo van sleepers can be used for full or part time recreational vehicle enthusiasts, or for full or part time expediters.
Here are a few pictures to give you some ideas when constructing your own sleeping quarters:
I really like the way this builder constructed this sleeper in his E350 Unicell Ford. This vehicle design allows for more headroom and a much more spacious interior living and cargo space.
I really like the way these expedite cargo van drivers have customized the interior spaces of these Sprinter, Ford, and Chevy cargo vans. Insulating the cargo area would be very important for drivers operating in the northern states during the winter and most of the time I add more R value than suggested, since I have spent my whole life in the northern plains where the winter winds and windchill factors make the extra insulation money well spent.
In the photos below, I like the way the both wells are covered and e track is also installed for securing cargo.
Custom made sleeper on a van from Scotland and the UK is doing a great job at giving the US ideas about transporting freight more economically in terms of LTL loads and different types of 3PL freight. I think the models for transportation and trucking from Europe will be the norm in the US unless we want to keep fighting for oil prices. A refreshing aspect would be if the US would use innovative tactics and intelligence to lead the way in fuel cost saving transportation and logistics.
This is the ultimate in no frills expeditor hauling. It says I can go anywhere and cook and my fold out stove with a propane single burner and slip on my flip down mattress. It would be a good payload living like this on the road.
Finding the right sleeper options and customizing your expediting rig are important first steps for individuals interested in making money in the expediting business. Hauling freight and minimizing dead head miles can make or break new expediters right out of the gate. I found a picture of a custom Sprinter at http://sprinterguy.wordpress.com/ and was impressed by the build. Here is the picture via http://sprinterguy.wordpress.com/ :
Sprinter with fold down bunks and plenty of storage while still allowing for plenty of freight space.
Here are some other custom options to make your expedite rig a comfortable home away from home.
This is a picture of really cool design of a sleeper built for a cargo van. I found the picture in the following informative post at Expediter's Online:
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