A chassis cab van is a type of commercial vehicle that includes the van's cab (front section) and engine but has a bare frame or chassis behind it instead of a standard cargo or passenger body. This configuration is designed to allow for the mounting of various custom bodies.
Based on the provided reference, a chassis cab, also called a cab chassis or half truck, is a type of vehicle construction, often found in medium duty truck commercial vehicles. Applying this construction concept to a van platform results in a chassis cab van.
Understanding the Chassis Cab Concept
The term "chassis cab" fundamentally describes a vehicle where the front cabin (where the driver and passengers sit) is built separately from, and attached to, a robust frame or chassis that extends behind the cab. This contrasts with vehicles where the body and frame are integrated into a single structure (like many cars and some vans).
While the reference specifically mentions this construction is "often found in medium duty truck commercial vehicles" like the Chevrolet Silverado chassis cab, the underlying principle is applied to various commercial vehicle platforms, including those derived from vans.
Key characteristics of a chassis cab include:
- Type of Vehicle Construction: It's a specific way a vehicle is built, separating the cab from the rear structure.
- Bare Chassis: The vehicle ends behind the cab, leaving a bare frame ready for modification.
- Commercial Focus: Primarily used for commercial applications requiring custom bodies.
- Also Known As: Cab chassis or half truck.
Applying the Concept to Vans
When this construction method is applied to a vehicle based on a van platform, it results in a chassis cab van. Manufacturers produce the vehicle with the front van body section (the cab, engine, and front wheels) and the complete chassis frame but no factory-installed cargo area or rear body.
This design is crucial for versatility, enabling specialized uses that a standard cargo or passenger van body cannot accommodate. The bare chassis provides a foundation onto which various types of custom bodies can be securely mounted.
Common examples of bodies mounted on a chassis cab van include:
- Box truck bodies (for moving or delivery)
- Cutaway or shuttle bus bodies (for passenger transport)
- Recreational vehicle (RV) bodies
- Utility or service bodies
- Ambulance or emergency vehicle bodies
Chassis Cab Van vs. Standard Van Construction
Standard cargo or passenger vans typically feature a unibody construction or a body-on-frame design where the entire body, including the cargo or passenger area, is a single integrated unit built by the manufacturer. A chassis cab van, however, deliberately separates the cab from the rear body to allow for custom builds.
Here's a simple comparison:
| Feature | Chassis Cab Van | Standard Cargo Van |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Structure | Bare Frame/Chassis | Integrated Cargo/Passenger Body |
| Purpose | Platform for Custom Bodies | Transporting Goods/People |
| Construction | Cab attached to Frame | Primarily Integrated Body |
| Flexibility | High (for upfitting) | Lower (fixed body type) |
Practical Applications
Chassis cab vans serve as the foundation for a wide array of specialized vehicles. Their ability to accept custom bodies makes them indispensable in many industries.
Practical uses include:
- Delivery Services: Box trucks built on van chassis cabs are common for parcel delivery.
- Passenger Transport: Shuttle buses and cutaway vans for airport transfers or tour groups.
- Mobile Workshops: Service vehicles for plumbers, electricians, or contractors with specialized utility bodies.
- Recreational Vehicles: Many Class C RVs are built on a chassis cab van base.
- Emergency Services: Ambulances and other emergency vehicles often use a chassis cab van platform.
In essence, a chassis cab van provides a robust, drivable base that upfitters can transform into a vehicle perfectly suited for a specific commercial or recreational purpose, going beyond the capabilities of a standard van body.
