Pickup or Cargo Van?

Just curious as to which of the two most common vehicles used for carrying scrap you prefer. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages, so opinions can differ greatly. For me I use a pickup (s10) to carry my scrap with, debated this myself before settling on pickup due to the more easy availability of 4wd/awd, since both are notoriously light in the back end and I live in the northeast where winter can be very unpredictable, so having the ability to have all 4 wheels powered is a DEFINITE plus in my book. Only real drawback, having to tie down your load so it doesn't fall out on the road...

I have had both and will be buying another van this winter. The van is great for hauling things that need to stay dry. ESPECIALLY tools. You can put everything right there where you need it with you at all times. I think if I were to scrap in a van I would have to use a trailer. The bed of a truck is just too versatile. If you are worried about stuff flying out just buy a cheap tarp and tarp off the load.

Originally Posted by Geiser093

If you are worried about stuff flying out just buy a cheap tarp and tarp off the load.

Had to do that a couple of times when I ran out of bed space and there were a few "questionable" small pieces in there...

I like vans as first they are more private and a good cargo can handle plenty of weight I once saw a van pulling a converted pick up bed to a trailer and thats got pick up beat My old cargo van halls 4000 with ease I know i can go more and whats in the truck stays in

if you can only choose one, you can always get a crew cab truck and put a camper shell on it, that way ya sorta get both

I have and love both but the van is usually pretty handy and being a 1 ton van with a diesel i have had some pretty heavy trailers on it with no problem, if i get some time in gonna make a heavier bumper for the front so i can mount the winch to it too and it will be almost ideal, now if only i felt ambitious enough to make a 4x4 van.....

Truck all the way, but a van does have its pro's but they look to sketchy creepin down the streets.

Are you a kidnapper or a scrapper. Answer this question and you have your answer.

trailers aside, you asked about truck or van, a van has definite height, width, and access point limitations(unless the sides and top are open )

Against my better judgement I'd like to contribute twice; because Bear made a good point. It depends on what you're hauling. If you handle water heaters,fridges, anything over 4 ft has to be layed down.

I actually had a cargo van before my steel hauling days. I know of its limitations through experience. A van can be great if you just want to do e waste or run a little bit of non ferrous here and there. how about insects or vermin inside of something youre hauling? A trailer or pick up bed can be power washed and or sprayed for bugs, which, by the way I recommend.

I've only seen a couple guys using vans around here. I believe only because its their only means. I can tell they have to strap bikes on their grills office chairs on their roofs. It's goofy and they struggle to unload at the yard. Use the right equipment for the right job and you'll be much happier.

Originally Posted by Russell

A van can be great if you just want to do e waste or run a little bit of non ferrous here and there. how about insects or vermin inside of something youre hauling? A trailer or pick up bed can be power washed and or sprayed for bugs, which, by the way I recommend.

Excellent point, friend of mine had to deal with a stinky old sewer pipe in an enclosed vehicle that one of his scrapping buddies found, when asked why it stunk, his buddy told him LOL...

I prefer the van because I don't want everyone knowing my business or asking me questions.

Secondly, it's easier to collect the smaller and more valuable items in my travels throughout the week without the stuff being exposed in the open and having to worry about theft or deal with a bunch of nosy looky-loos.

I try not to carry around too much stuff at one time to avoid burning excess gas but having the enclosed environment keeps things convenient so I don't have to go straight home every time I score something good.

Originally Posted by KZBell

I have and use both, but use the van the most. I like being able to lock up my tools quickly and easily, and the security of closing the doors when having to make multiple trips to load it up in a strange area. The other thing I like is the lower cargo area in the van when loading heavy objects. Volume wise the largest load to date has been 3 fridges, dryer and a old dishwasher with steel tub.

On a side note...scrapping with a topper on a pick up is a PITA imo.

3 fridges, a dryer, and a dishwasher? Are you using a cargo van?

I guess another thing that makes me glad that I chose a pickup is that (my luck) I frequently find stuff that has earwigs on it (two cast iron sinks just yesterday had a couple on them), wouldn't want those things crawling around inside a van :eek:.