E-350 box options

[RVflyfish]

What do you see being the issue with CA DMV?

 

[The Artisan]

"Convert to 4wd and everything but the interior build is done for $75k."
What is $75K?
Off the shelf box truck is around 65 plus tax and shipping which brings it up to around 75, and then another 50-60 for full UJOR.
I would imagine I am looking around 175 with a minimalist DIY interior.
For the amount of money I am planning to spend, I wish I could go with custom subframe and composite box, but still can't find anyone who is capable of doing this and guaranteeing I am not going to have an issue with CA DMV.

I can offer you a custom frp composite shell but I an the east coast. Might be able to create a kit. I have patented frp composite poptop but that will come later. I have a few projects in the works for a client
Kevin

 

[zip]

What do you see being the issue with CA DMV?

My understanding is that if I buy a cutaway, CA DMV considers this an incomplete vehicle which cannot be immediately registered. You must have some sort of "certified" upfitter do the conversion and provide you with the appropriate documentation to certify it is safe and roadworthy.
If I buy an off the shelf box truck I can register immediately and then have it UJOR'd and do my DIY interior without any further lengthy dealings with the DMV.
Once I have completed my RV conversion, you go back to DMV and they change from commercial to recreation registration.
I could be wrong, but kinda think this is how it works.

 

[YinzerMoto]

I have never seen a new off the shelf box truck with all the options you are looking for, but agree, that would be nice.
I could not get a response from Boreas.

Rockport says they can do all the options but they are not real responsive. They will even install a powered awning on the side. I asked them a week ago for model info on the awning and how much that option will run and have not heard back.

 

[YinzerMoto]

Not really sure what you are referring to with transport of motorcycles. Are you trying to transport inside the box?
I am planning 10', with one bicycle inside the rear of box, mounted widthwise.
Also, a small dual sport motorcycle on a trailer hitch mount on the rear.
Plan on using something like this for the motorcycle.

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/all-jacked-up-switch-hauler-with-foot-peg-restraint-p?s=1209972

The motorcycles go inside. That is how our previous box truck was and our transit is. Our box truck was 10’ and that was cramped with bikes inside. The 12’ length of the transit is much better. I like the bikes inside, out of weather and eyes of thieves.

 

[zip]

The motorcycles go inside. That is how our previous box truck was and our transit is. Our box truck was 10’ and that was cramped with bikes inside. The 12’ length of the transit is much better. I like the bikes inside, out of weather and eyes of thieves.

My mountain bikes are worth more than my motorcycle. LOL!!

 

[zip]

Rockport says they can do all the options but they are not real responsive. They will even install a powered awning on the side. I asked them a week ago for model info on the awning and how much that option will run and have not heard back.

If you don't go composite, and go with Rockport, I'd just have them provide and mount the box. Have a specialized RV store install your awning for you.

 

[YinzerMoto]

I can offer you a custom frp composite shell but I an the east coast. Might be able to create a kit. I have patented frp composite poptop but that will come later. I have a few projects in the works for a client
Kevin

Very interested if you can do a box with a pop top. If I end up making my own, I will try to do a pop top so I can keep the box height lower.

 

[YinzerMoto]

My mountain bikes are worth more than my motorcycle. LOL!!

I should have said, I don’t like any objects hanging on the outside of the vehicle that might attract attention. I don’t put any moto related stickers on our vehicles.

 

[YinzerMoto]

If you don't go composite, and go with Rockport, I'd just have them provide and mount the box. Have a specialized RV store install your awning for you.

Mounting an awning is not difficult. I have done a few. If Rockport will do it for a reasonable amount, I’ll pay them.

 

[The Artisan]

Very interested if you can do a box with a pop top. If I end up making my own, I will try to do a pop top so I can keep the box height lower.

Will be late Jan I have to build the 24footer and interior..Pm me. Here is how it works internal struts 2 and 1" composites. Buddy and I built this yrs ago but I have co making me my glues..60 wide max at 75psi roller pressed. I use high density EPS but can get PVC H80 for main body depends on budget. All toppers are xps or eps. Pvc perimter inserts so they can be screwed together as kit
Kevin

 

[RVflyfish]

My understanding is that if I buy a cutaway, CA DMV considers this an incomplete vehicle which cannot be immediately registered. You must have some sort of "certified" upfitter do the conversion and provide you with the appropriate documentation to certify it is safe and roadworthy.
If I buy an off the shelf box truck I can register immediately and then have it UJOR'd and do my DIY interior without any further lengthy dealings with the DMV.
Once I have completed my RV conversion, you go back to DMV and they change from commercial to recreation registration.
I could be wrong, but kinda think this is how it works.

Geez, California is so over-regulated it’s not even worth being here anymore. The Soviet Union would be proud.

Never mind roads that are falling apart, constant construction, and mega traffic. Yay.

But hey, at least you get to pay extra for the privilege of not being able to do anything or get anywhere… sales tax, crazy high insurance, a dollar plus extra for gas, and DMV fees that are 2-4x other states.

I would seriously explore buying and registering in another state if I were trying to do what you are.

 

[zip]

Geez, California is so over-regulated it’s not even worth being here anymore. The Soviet Union would be proud.

Never mind roads that are falling apart, constant construction, and mega traffic. Yay.

But hey, at least you get to pay extra for the privilege of not being able to do anything or get anywhere… sales tax, crazy high insurance, a dollar plus extra for gas, and DMV fees that are 2-4x other states.

I would seriously explore buying and registering in another state if I were trying to do what you are.

I concur with most of that, but I can rock climb, surf, and mountain bike all year long. Also, I climb telephone poles for a living, and Southern California weather is best for that career.
I hope to have all the money by mid October. I will see where UJOR CO is with their sub frame builds, and see if they develop a partnership with in-state composite builders. If there is not a CA DMV friendly type process yet, I will buy off the shelf and register here in CA.
Thanks for the input.

 

[YinzerMoto]

Geez, California is so over-regulated it’s not even worth being here anymore. The Soviet Union would be proud.

Never mind roads that are falling apart, constant construction, and mega traffic. Yay.

But hey, at least you get to pay extra for the privilege of not being able to do anything or get anywhere… sales tax, crazy high insurance, a dollar plus extra for gas, and DMV fees that are 2-4x other states.

I would seriously explore buying and registering in another state if I were trying to do what you are.

Is there a state where I can buy an incomplete vehicle and title it for road use? I am in PA and I expect the process to be similar to CA.

 

[RVflyfish]

Maybe DM PathNotTaken and ask how they did it? I think they’re in WA. I would also try OR, NV and SD. I spend a few months in OR every year so that’s where my truck and van are registered.