As an electrician, you have to haul around wiring, tools and equipment, and tons of supplies. You can’t get by with a small used car, or even a big one. What you probably need is a good used cargo van.
Chevrolet Express: This full-size van offers a cargo volume of up to 284.4 cubic feet, length of 146.2 inches and height of 53.4 inches. The width between the wheel wells is 52.7 inches. The express is available in a variety of configurations with the most powerful being the turbodiesel V8. It’s not the most spacious van on the market, but we like the way it handles – it’s so maneuverable you’d hardly believe you’re driving a cargo van.
Ford E-350 Econoline: Maximum cargo volume is 309.4 cubic feet, with a length of 140.6 inches, height of 51.9 inches, and width between the wheel wells of 51.1 inches. The most powerful engine available is the 6.8 liter V10. Again, it’s not the most spacious van available, but this is a nice, capable van with a lot of get-up-and-go.
Ford Transit: We’re getting into some serious cargo space here, with a maximum volume of 496 cubic feet, length of 171.5 inches, height of 81.4 inches, and space between the wheel wells of 54.8 inches. The most powerful engine available is the 3.5 liter twin turbocharged V6. With 350 horsepower and 400 lb-ft torque, you won’t mind not having it available in a V8.
Nissan NV 2500/3500 HD: Maximum cargo volume in this capable van is 323.1 cubic feet, with length of 120 inches, height of 76.9 inches, and width between the wheel wells of 54.3 inches. The most powerful engine available is the 5.6 liter V8. Again, we’re getting into a van that has a little less cargo capacity, but most electricians will find it adequate.
Ram ProMaster: The ProMaster is spacious, with a maximum cargo volume of 529.7 cubic feet, length of 160 inches, height of 85.5 inches, and space between wheel wells of 55.9 inches. The most powerful engine available is the 3 liter turbo diesel. It isn’t the fastest van on the market, and not the most attractive, but then most electricians aren’t buying their van based on visual appeal. This is a solid, reliable vehicle.
Of all the cargo vans we reviewed, these five are the ones best suited for electricians.
