A USPS Mail Truck Could Be Your Perfect Weekend Project
In terms of iconic trucks, it doesn’t get much more iconic than a USPS mail truck. Since the 1980s, the Postal Service has employed a fleet of Grumman LLV delivery trucks to ensure that the mail gets to folks in a timely manner. And as we prepare to say goodbye to this legendary mail truck, I can’t help but think someone out there could give one a second chance at life. This time, in the form of a conversion camper van.
What is the Grumman LLV?
Now, I’ve written extensively about the Grumman LLV mail truck. It first went into production in 1987, and it’s pretty nuts to think that it’s still working for the Postal Service in 2023. The LLV replaced the Jeep DJ-5 after the USPS realized it needed something new to deliver the mail.
Built as a partnership between Grumman and General Motors, this mail truck shares a lot of its components with GM components of the era. Even the gauge cluster is something similar to what you would see in a Chevy S-10 pickup truck.
The days of the Grumman LLV mail truck are numbered. The United States Postal Service is expected to start taking delivery of the Oshkosh NGDV at some point by the end of the year. And that means we might start seeing this mail truck pop up at auction. Allowing you to buy a USPS mail truck.
A USPS mail truck could make a good camper van
Over 100,000 Grumman LLV trucks were built during its production run. And if longevity is any indication, it seems like proper care can keep these delivery vehicles running for an eternity. The Iron Duke engine might not be fast. And the LLV only has a three-speed automatic transmission, but I think converting one could be a worthy automotive undertaking.
First, Grumman designed this vehicle to maximize its interior space. Mail carriers need to be able to stand up in it, and it has to haul quite a bit of cargo. Outside, there’s not much to look at. But it is certainly unique when you compare it to the Ford Transit or bougie Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van.
With proper construction, you could likely fit things like a sink, seating, and more in the Grumman LLV. And although it is not all-wheel drive, it’s a vehicle that has shown it can operate in harsh conditions.
The other benefit of this USPS mail truck might be its price. At auction, these things can pop up for less than $5k. And that will give you more of a budget to make the changes and modifications you want.
Is the Postal Service getting new mail trucks?
After years of dedicated service, the USPS is replacing its aging fleet of delivery vehicles. According to NPR, a portion of the new mail trucks will be electric. And that is thanks to Oshkosh Defense.
Oshkosh got the contract for the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle, and it does offer the ability to come outfitted with an electric powertrain. At first, a majority of the new delivery trucks were going to be powered by an internal combustion engine. But after pushback from multiple fronts, the USPS decided to increase its order of electric mail trucks.
