Cargo vans are designed to transport goods. These windowless vehicles usually weigh between .5 and 1 ton. They have the same front seats as other vans, but are missing the back seats found in passenger and conversion vans. Over the years these vehicles have proved essential for a variety of industries. It is the preferred vehicle for many electricians, plumbers, painters, carpet installers, florists, and even dry cleaners, amongst many others.
The modern van was first introduced in 1961. The Econoline Van from Ford offered a new Forward Control and a completely new body design. Changes in engine placement and drive position revolutionized the way vans were made.
With over 50,000 Econline vans produced every year, Ford moved to expand its offerings. In 1965 the Supervan was released. It featured an 18 inch extension of the van’s body and 105 hp engine. GM replaced its rear-engine Corvan 95 (sold from 1961-1965) with a front engine Forward Control van that was sold under both GMC and Chevy brands. Dodge joined the fray in 1963 with the Dodge A-100, then added the A-108 in 1965.
By the end of the 1960s, Ford realized the drawbacks of forward control. With the drivers legs forward of the front wheels, the vibrations created by the configuration were only one of the drawbacks. Ford decided to move the engine forward in 1969 models. Within a few years all the other manufacturers followed suit. This “semi-forward configuration” is pretty much the standard through this day.
Today, very little has changed in the design of vans. Whether you visit a new or used van dealer, most models will have the semi-forward configuration. About the only differences will be in style and interior features. The basic mechanics will be the same, whether the van was made in 1975 or 2005.
The one significant change has been in cargo capacity. With the popularity of cargo vans to smaller delivery and service businesses, the demand for larger payloads has resulted in vans with longer bodies and more headspace.
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