GSA Engineering

How to Spec a Medium Van Truck

Peter MielkeGSA Engineering – Medium and Heavy Vehicles703-605-2972peter.mieke@gsa.gov

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How to Spec a Medium Van Truck

The intent of this presentation is to familiarize you with designing a Medium Duty Van Truck

and ordering it on GSA Autochoice

How to Spec a Medium Van Truck• How many items do you need to transport?• What is the cubic size and weight of the items

you want to move? In other words, what is the load density?

• If you are moving lead you don’t need a truck with a big cargo area.

• Load distribution – even or concentrated?• Do you need to keep something at a particular

temperature?

How to Spec a Medium Van Truck• Do you need to drive a forklift into the van

body?• Translucent roof or solid?

How to Spec a Medium Van Truck

• How cold is it were you operate the vehicle?• Will it be stored in a garage or left to the

elements?• Will you need to carry and special tools or

tire chains?

How to Spec a Medium Van Truck• Will the cargo be tightly strapped and

wrapped on pallets or stacked loose inside the van body?

• Do you need a means of securing the load to the walls or the floor?

How to Spec a Medium Van Truck• Do you need a tailgate lift? What kind will

work best for you?

How to Spec a Medium Van Truck• What size engine do you need?• What type and size of transmission do

you need?• When do you need to change axle

ratios?• What type of tires do you need?• Do you need to tow a trailer?

How to Spec a Medium Van Truck

• How long are your drivers behind the wheel?• How frequently will it be used?• CDL driver’s license required above 26,000

lbs.• FET tax kicks in above 33,000 lbs.

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QUESTIONS?