I would like to thank everyone who contacted me on and off the list with
their comments for purchasing a new transportation vehicle.
Thanks and have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Bryan D. McDade
Curator
Historic Washington State Park
PO Box 129
Washington, AR 71862
Phone: (870) 983-2684
Fax: (870) 983-2736
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
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Visit online: http://www.historicwashingtonstatepark.com
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Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and is confidential or
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________________________________
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Marc A Williams
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2007 5:24 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Cargo Van versus mini-van
I have extensive experience with both cargo vans and mini vans moving
collections objects, having owned and used quite a number of each.
Right now, I have one of each. The choice depends on a number of
factors. I'm not sure if this will be your personal vehicle used for
other purposes as well, or will be used only for museum business.
Some of the factors in the decision are number of objects hauled at one
time; distance moving objects; size/weight of objects; the need to tow a
trailer; and whether you are purchasing new or used.
I have used mini vans to haul furniture, including chests of drawers,
wardrobes, chairs, high poster beds, etc. They can haul less than a
cargo van. But they are safer, easier to drive, less expensive to
maintain, and probably cost less, at least used. They have a rear door
that is over 48" wide and can generally accommodate objects up to 44" or
so in height. There is actually a bit more height inside, but the door
is the limitation. Certain models also have 8' of length with the rear
door closed (and seats removed), so plywood and other 4x8 sheet goods
can be hauled. I have pulled a 6x12 trailer in excess of 2,000 miles
quite successfully with a mini van, so the capacity can be expanded.
However, the maximum trailer weight will be 5,000 lbs. or less. If
maximum cargo volume and ceiling height is desired, DO NOT get rear
heat/air.
I purchased my current mini van a bit over a year ago, and did a
considerable amount of research on cargo capacity. I definitely wanted
a van that could accommodate a 4x8 sheet of plywood, and also wanted to
purchase used for under $10,000. The vehicles that met my criteria were
the GM product, all long body - Chevy Venture, Olds Silhouette, Plymouth
Montana, etc. which are essentially the same vehicle. I have gotten up
to 30 mpg on the highway, and more generally get 25-28 mpg. The Ford
Freestyle and Chrysler/Dodge products did not meet my needs, primarily
due to the plywood requirement.
A full size van (regular body, not extended) has about 6" more door
width, 6" more height, and 2' more cargo length than a mini van. It
definitely can hold a lot more, at least 1 1/2 times in volume, and up
to 3 times more in weight. It can tow a trailer up to 10,000+ lbs.
properly equipped. I have a Ford E350 1-ton with a diesel engine.
Empty on the highway, I can get up to 20 mpg. Gas engines with
reasonable torque (V-8 or larger) generally will get up to 15-17 mpg
empty on the highway (more like 15 mpg for the V-10). It you get a
really high gear ratio rear end (lower number), you may improve this a
small amount, but will give up the ability to tow heavier weights. You
can get an extended body, which adds about 2' in length, but is on the
same chassis, so the rear hangs over quite a bit. If you will tow, you
DO NOT want an extended body, as this creates more leverage for sway,
making pulling a trailer very uncomfortable. Cargo vans can be a pain
to drive, and in emergency situations are prone to roll-over. But their
capacity and ability to pull a large trailer can't be beat(en). If you
go the cargo van route, I would suggest a 3/4 or 1 ton, so you have
additional weight and towing capacity over the 1/2 ton. You may also
want to consider the diesel (more expensive) if you drive many miles a
year or tow a trailer a lot. If you will be using the van for a few
thousand miles a year, the additional cost may not be worth it.
I generally prefer the Ford full size van products over the GM products
(I've owned both), but they are probably generally equivalent. An
interesting alternative is the Mercedes/Chrysler van with higher ceiling
height and generally a bit larger vehicle. It has available a 5-cyl
diesel I beleive, so would be good for general use with reasonable
economy, but I'm not sure what effect it would have on trailering -
probably reduces the maximum weight. Since it is a rather new model,
prices used could be much higher than the other manufacturers.
Feel free to let me know if I can provide additional information.
Marc
American Conservation Consortium, Ltd.
4 Rockville Road
Broad Brook, CT 06016
www.conservator.com
860-386-6058
*Collections Preservation Consultation
*Conservation Assessments & Surveys
*Low-Tech Environmental Control
*Moisture Management Solutions
*Collections in Historic Structures
*Conservation Treatment of:
Furniture
Painted Wood
Horse-Drawn Vehicles
Architectural Interiors
Marc A. Williams, President
MS in Art Conservation, Winterthur Museum Program
Former Chief Wooden Object Conservator, Smithsonian Institution
Fellow, American Institute for Conservation (AIC)
----- Original Message -----
From: Bryan McDade <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2007 3:37 PM
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Cargo Van versus mini-van
Dear Colleagues,
I work at a historic house site, and I will need to replace my
existing cargo van soon. Due to budget considerations (price and
potential gas mileage), I may have to replace the van with a mini-van.
The types of large artifacts that I will be transporting would include
furniture (tables, chairs, beds, dressers, etc.), paintings, plus other
smaller materials. I have been given a very short deadline to research
this topic, and so I would like to seek some input from the list. I
would prefer to lobby for a cargo van, but may have to settle for a
mini-van. Have any of you dealt with the pros and cons of using a
minivan as an artifact transport vehicle. Feel free to contact me off
the list.
Sincerely,
Bryan D. McDade
Curator
Historic Washington State Park
PO Box 129
Washington, AR 71862
Phone: (870) 983-2684
Fax: (870) 983-2736
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
<BLOCKED::mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Visit online: http://www.historicwashingtonstatepark.com
<BLOCKED::http://www.historicwashingtonstatepark.com>
This electronic message transmission contains information from
the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and is confidential or
privileged. The information is intended to be for the use of the
individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended
recipient, be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of
the contents of this information is prohibited. If you have received
this electronic transmission in error, please notify us by telephone
(870-983-2684) immediately.
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