How do you like the snoot on this little step van? It’s a bit out there, literally. Well, unlike most step vans, this one is front wheel drive. If you’re good with your steel wheels, you’ll recognize these as being from a Dodge Caravan. Yes, the UMC Aeromate has a Chrysler minivan drive train up there, which allows for a low floor and light weight. And a long nose..
It’s hard to find much info on these; at least good factual info. One guy on the web claims they were built by Harley-Davidson. Not. The are the result of a joint venture or some other type of cooperation between Utilimaster, a van and truck body firm, and Chrysler. Utilimaster was at one time owned by H-D, so that’s where that tidbit comes from.
These came in both four and six cylinder versions. presumably the four was Chrysler’s 2.5 (or possibly 2.2), and hooked up to the three-speed Torqueflite transaxle. The six was the 3.3 V6, which might have come with the same three speed automatic or possibly the four-speed, a very troubled gearbox in its early years.
The oldest reference I can find is to a 1990 model, and the youngest is for a 1993, so presumably (again) those were the likely beginning and end for the Aeromate.
The body is all-aluminum, which means its both light and durable. And replacement components for the Chrysler drive train are fairly easy and cheap to come by. So although there aren’t many left, the remaining ones may well be around for some time.
The Aeromate concept is virtually identical to the Grumman KubVan: a compact, aluminum mini-stepvan, with an automotive FWD drive train up front. In the case of the Kubvan, it used a VW diesel Rabbit drive train. That was in 1983 or , almost a decade before the Aeromate. Only 500 KubVans were ever built, and less than 100 remain. Makes you wonder why Utilimaster thought the same basic idea would work the second time around.
Curiously, I found this Aeromate just a few blocks from the KubVan. It’s a bit bigger, but apparently was no more successful. Step vans are a shrinking part of the market, as so many other small van options have proliferated. But there’s something about the purity of these two small step vans that has lasting appeal, even if this one’s nose is too long.
Related: CC 1983 Grumman KubVan: Tiny, FWD, VW Diesel Power, and Very Rare
I see an unmarked white one 2 or 3 times a week on my way to work. I was wondering what it was because it almost looks custom built. However, I seem to remember similar ones may have been used for mail delivery.
There was a somewhat long-nosed vehicle used by the post office; I was always under the impression it was either an update of the Grumman LLV or something that they were considering replacing the LLV with. As the LLVs are still in service, whatever that was turned out to be short-lived.
in need of 1993 ish rear axle assembley from drum to drum new ,oem,used believe1990-1994 will work will buy several top dollar paid U.M.C. Aeromate
in need of 1993 ish rear axle assembley from drum to drum new ,oem,used believe1990-1994 will work will buy several top dollar paid U.M.C. Aeromate rlehecka98@gmail.com
LLV , means Long Life Vehicle . They were planned as a 26 year vehicle , but I believe they had an extended life . I was told that they were on S- 10 Chevy frames , have read otherwise also . I have read a very few were built with four wheel drive .
This is what I thought of when I saw picture 2.
The Nissan NV has a nose similar to this.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_NV
Saw one at a McDonald’s Tuesday morning…faded red with a BIG chunk of the hood missing over the left front wheel. I probably hadn’t seen one in years prior to that.
I’m going to assume this is one of Barry Koch’s masterful parodies. There’s simply no way an actual manufacturer could do EVERYTHING wrong while expecting to make money on the product.
I remember seeing a few of these in the service area of the Dodge/Jeep/Eagle dealership where I worked in the 1993-95 time frame. The parts guys hated these but I’m not sure why.
Good article and there are a scant few of these in the Portland Area. Some are used as food trucks.
IIRC this van was in a horror movie from the 80’s…anyone remember which movie?
I used to work on one of these regularly about 10 yrs. ago. An electrical contractor had it in his small fleet and we serviced their vehicles. It was always overloaded, doing a job better suited to a E250. It was a 91 or 92 model. Amazingly we never replaced the transmission. The rear axles are a torsion bar and box affair straight out of trailer supply catalogue fitted with caravan spindels and brakes. Driving it loaded(as usual) beat you to death as the rear of the van bounced up and down like a pogo stick. At least the piano hinged hood would open staight up for great engine access.
Your comment was a long time ago but I was wondering how did you get rid of the bounce? I have one and it bounce all over the place, do you have any recommendations? Thanks
The Dexter torsion rubber axle is hopeless . I made brackets and did a small amount of machining to install koni adjustable shocks . I changed angle and got longer shocks . After axle snapped off , I must have been overloaded , I changed to Dexter 3in. axle tube with 3500 lb. spindles machined to fit . Front and rear bolt patterns matched . Front studs metric rear studs fractional . I used 3/4 ton Dodge truck springs . Had that van 25 years and having a new better frame made , 3/16 steel tube .
The paint distribution business I worked for in the early Nineties acquired four of these when a large Mercedes Benz dealer/customer that went BK. The ‘mates became mobile demonstrators for our technical reps. Two had the V6 and two came with the 2.2 turbo four; all with the 3 speed auto transaxle. We overloaded them. The V6 models travelled more miles through grades and high temperatures. Surprisingly, they both failed after a few years. The two turbo four vans held their own until the company decided they were no longer needed.
The story I heard was that the engine/transaxle combo were acquired by UMC through Chrysler Marine, rather than the automotive division. Somebody at Chrysler found out and put a stop to it. UMC decided to stop production rather than re-engineer the Aeromate.
Here’s a photo of the Zap-Em Aeromate van sued in the first “Men in Black film.’
Knew someone who did HVAC service in one of these. Japanese pickups were more my speed but seemed to work well for him. I remember it as being a 2.2 instead of a 2.5 but probably am suffering from brain flatulence. It was a one ton I recall for sure and memory tells me it was priced right. No reason for the concept not to work and it seems that it is making the rounds again from ram to nissan.
Very minor detail: Chrysler’s (first) electronic nightmare transmission was known as Ultradrive, not Ultramatic.
Harley-Davidson of Ventura, CA has one in full Bar/Shield livery. I think it is used as a parts gopher/delivery van. Might also be used to haul bikes, but I doubt a full-dresser would fit.
I also own a Harley decked out UMC 1993 was buffalo Harley delivery van love it has 62,467 miles only ( Dan from cheektowaga,NY)
End of the day, there probably is a 500 or so a year market for something like these. That being said, these are rolling proof that rare does not mean valuable.
We have 1990 Aeromate. We are looking for some help with the A/C system?
What make wheels are those. Have a 89.
I’m looking for a gas pump for my 1994 utilimaster areomate dodge caravan would you be able to point me in the right direction or sell me this part.?
Any automotive A/C repair shop should be able to deal with it.
This is our Utilmaster Areomate. 1989, 4 cylinder non-turbo.
Richard F Ban
Are you interested in Selling your Aeromate
Looking for a parts source. Pulled this 89 with a 2.5 out of the woods. Has not run in 25 years. Will need a new gas tank, brake parts. Anyone know if the pump is in the tank ?.Any source of a repair manual ?.
Fuel tank is 1988 to 1995 dodge caravan 20 gal with fuel pump in the tank.V6
4 cyk is a 17 or 18 gal tank but the 20 gal will work.
They are less then $100 new.
Brake parts are also same year Dodge Grand Caravan,same with front struts.
I am looking for 1993 fuel tank and pump
I have an 89 that won’t go in reverse. Anyone know which 3 speed automatic I need to get to replace it??
I think it’s probably safe to say it’s the Chrysler three speed transaxle as used in the minvans and many other of their FWD vehicles.
I have a 1989 utilimaster areotek and I Have been looking all over for a gas pump. Would be be able to point me in the right direction where I can find one.
Same as Caravan
Hi, I am looking for a hood for a umc aeromate. Do you have any idea where to find it?
I have seen some great looking hoods fabricated by sheet metal shop .
yes the pump is located inside the tank I just replaced mine and its a 1989. I should have it back on the road by morning. What a great little van, so many options a person can do with these vans. SKYS THE LIMIT
Looking to find a some info to get the suspension fixed. Anyone have info on it?
It is all dodge caravan stuff,same year.
The rear axle assembly can be located from a trailer supply place and then put the dodge hubs in.
Those rear axles are fabricated for Aero from Dexter torsion rubber axle . My whole wheel and brake system broke off . I installed 3/4 ton Dodge truck springs at that time , when I put C channel over frame .I have had my van 25 years and I doubled the crummy frame 15 years ago . I have the body off frame right now . Having a heavier frame made . Something about that van . I won’t part with it . Check your frame , Up North they rust right out . If anyone needs a couple hoods , I will part with mine . Having new alum. hood made to fit 110v gas generator under hood .
I can use a hood if it’s still available! I have a 94 !!
I have a 1991 areomate for sale outside Knoxville tn
how much Richard?
Is your 1991 for sale? I also have a 1991 Aeromate V-6 the motor blew and put another in and now the fuel pump went out and just bought a new one
So Richard can u tell me a little about ur van condition. mileage, asking price. Thank you Mark
Loved seeing this post. We have on that we are converting to a food truck. 92
Picked this one up a week ago for an icecream truck. Just starting to sand off all that darn pink. I think I might have found a new remanufactured transaxle for it.
I have a 93 aeromate I used for work, now doing a camper conversion. 42000 miles original.
Excellent!! How is your mini RV doing? My wife and I have been planning to do that to an Aeromate for years. Glad to see others who are doing something with these besides getting caught up in the food truck fad a day late.
I also have all information on this, wiring diagrams, part #s, everything. Got it straight from Utilimaster in Elkhart IN
Does anyone know the part number for the motor mounts. I have a 1990 4 cylinder non turbo
Hi there – I just purchased a 92 model that I plan on converting as well. I’d love to hear about your experience as well as possibly access some of the documentation you have on it (I’m currently troubleshooting why it doesn’t want to go into reverse at times). What’s the best way to contact you?
I have a 1991 Aeromate and need to replace the radiator it has V-6 engine does anyone know which radiator will fit
Late reply
1992 dodge spirit radiator and cooling fans for replacement.
Others may work but that’s what I matched mine up to.
It`s rather attractive, but in a bizarre way. Ditch that color, and I`d own one.
I have a 1994 aeromate that needs axle assembly replaced, what will interchange and where can I find one
I am working on a 1994 Aeromate with the 3.3L V6 engine. Owner took all of the heater hoses off and doesn’t know how they were routed. It has a 4 hose heater control valve. Need a schematic on how they are ran to engine and heater core. Any help would be appreciated. The folks at Utilimaster are very helpful but their parts manual only goes up to 1992. This van has a pressurized coolant tank that doesn’t appear to be used in 92.
Check with mill supply and a company called Stepvan parts.
A lot of the interior controls and heater controls lighting,early 80s GM etc. are the same as used in step vans.
I also purchased new chrome headlight bezels from them,surprised that they were available.
I have a 1992 that also has the pressure tank mounted in the center above the back of the motor.
Hi Richard, Would love to know how the heater hoses are routed on your 92. My 94 has a remote coolant tank and a 4 way heater valve. Would like a pic of where heater control valve is mounted and how the hoses attach. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks
You can go to any trailer supply place,they are just tourqe axels with 3500 gvw,you can upgrade to 5000#.
All they really did was weld the dodge caravan hubs on for the bolt pattern.
The Utility master web site has the rear axel assembly specifications that you can print out,I was quoted $800 for the assembly ready to go.
The rear bearings and hubs need to be kept greased,the replacements are 1989 to 1995 dodge caravan which are getting hard to find.
Hey, the stock Dexter 3,500 axle has same 5 on 4 1/2 bolt pattern as van except fractional , front metric . I had 3,500 spindles installed by factory in 3 in. tube , 5,000 lb. axle .
My boss has one of these a coworker drives. Wierd looking but a good work truck. Lots of open space, can stand up inside. Space for toolboxes & materials galore. Sliding doors make easy access. Height could be a problem in parking decks.
Hi gents I have a 1989 that I bought a couple months ago as an ice cream truck not knowing what kind or truck or it’s background.
I’m glad I came across this session actually I was looking Accessory parts I need the Sideview mirrors and door window knobs Any of you know any parts catalog or webpage to find these accessories
I have a 1992 areomate with over 300,000 miles on it,3.3 liter.
The oil pump is starting to get weak so I found a 1993 Caravan with 110,000 that I am going to swap motors.
I use it for service calls and everybody that sees it seems to like it it is hard to even get fuel sometimes without people asking about it.
In regards to the rear axel assembly,I did some research and looked at torsion assemblies at the trailer place,to upgrade to 5000# which requires either they build to order based on the downloaded specifications from utility masters web site,$800
Or the 3500# like what is in there was roughly $500 and have the drop parts and hubs removed from your existing axels and welded to the new one.
I think it is easier to move up to the 5000# and use spindles that are newer as the caravan spindles and hub supply is dwindling fast.
Richard,
Would love to know more about the custom rear axle assembly.
My 1993 has a bent axle.
Thx,
Twana
Hi Richard would I be able to do something like you described above to my 1994. The gas pump is bad. My mechanic had it for over four months and could not locate the gas pump so I’m looking for other alternatives so I can get it on the road. I also don’t know what else is wrong with it won’t start.
Thanks Again for you help…
Men in Black ! They ride stiff with 3500lb. axle . How do they ride with 5000 lb. axle .
I have ’93 Aeromate. Put 3 engines in it. My third machanic finally realized it needed a purge container. The purge container was removed before I bought it. Third motor is running fine now. Almost a half million miles on it now.
I removed the weird radiator expansion tank that also tied into a heater hose . I stripped it off . I went to Dodge Caravan parts and had no problem .
Mine’s a ’93 Aeromate, 3.3l v6. I put new head gaskets, new (right end) crankshaft seal, injectors, etc. Still needs more work, but I’m using it. Needs new rear suspension.
The engine castings are marked 1992.
Gets about 14.x mpg around rural town, about 16.x mpg highway.
I think it’s got around 140k miles on it, but I know it’s on it’s second transmission (Actually the differential had come apart and locked up on the previous owner!)
It’s got the pressurized coolant tank ( fits a 1990 Jeep Cherokee if you need a new one!) and the radiator was for the Dodge Dynasty (presumably from the 1992-1993 era)
The rear axles are definitely unavailable if as far as exact replacement, but I think a new custom trailer axle could be fitted.
No AC – but the spot is there on the engine, I’ve thought about putting it in but really don’t need it in my climate. I might put one in so I have an onboard air compressor.
It needed new front parking/turn signal lights, and could not find reasonably priced drop in replacements so I enlarged the hole in the fiberglass with a jig saw and put in rubber grommet style replaceable trailer lights. Looks just fine. Getting all the lights working on an old vehicle really makes a big difference.
The front tun and park lights came from 64 Dodge pick up truck.
have a 92 electrical nightmare on my hands love the van but cant seem to keep it on the road… looking for original wiring diagram i have everyting but the two pages in an original l black umc binder
seems like its missing fuse and relay box
Let me know if you find one. Mine also shuts off sporadically and we can’t seem to figure it out .
Vin number is unique to each vehicle . One VIN plate is metal , riveted to top of dashboard on driver side . The other is on top of right frame horn ; an alum. plate riveted to frame . I think there is another on the front of block , below head .
I have 94 Aeromate and wanted to replace the rear shocks with a load handling Air adjustable. Anybody know what brand makes one for it? Or any ideas on how to level slight sag on the rear torsion suspension?
Have owned 92 for 25 years . Overloaded and snapped rear torsion rubber axle on mine . From my experience , see Dexter axle dealer , that axle is dangerous . You are going to need welder to reassemble Dexter axle into UMC brackets . The factory has none welded as an assembly . Check the four clip nuts on KFrame that hold suspension . My N.Y. van rusted off two nuts .warn other people .
Hello Martin , I also have a 92 Aeromate and my vin sticker is unreadable, in order to get a replacement i need a picture of one. if I would greatly appreciate your help.
thank
Bryna
I have a 92 Aero . I changed the springs to Dodge pick-up truck , after I doubled frame with a custom bent overlay of 2×4 frame . That was 15 years ago . The frame was 2×4 box tubing , only 1/8 in. thick . I am having a new frame welded up , using 3/16 x 2×4 box . I found that electrolysis had eaten the alum. crossmembers out where the bolts held body to frame . Welded in alum. patches . Look your frame over ; most frames are rusted-out . I think they under-engineered the frame .
Hey , when you have sag , the axle is damaged , it is going to drop , next . I had it drop me on road . You need leaf springs , but you should look at frame , it is so light . Air bags work well with leaf springs for extra lift . Shocks are an easy add-on . If trans. won’t shift , check that alum. ground wire from computer to trans . The alum. wire has a string wrap and road-salt , eats-up the alum. wire because wire loom cover is a fabric mesh , not waterproof .
Same as Caravan . Your VIN number plates are on dashboard and right frame horn . The frame horn is the front of frame behind bumper . That tag is riveted to frame at cut-out for A/C clutch clearance.
Hey , when you have sag , the axle is damaged , it is going to drop , next . I had it drop me on road . You need leaf springs , but you should look at frame , it is so light . Air bags work well with leaf springs for extra lift . Shocks are an easy add-on . If trans. won’t shift , check that alum. ground wire from computer to trans . The alum. wire has a string wrap and road-salt , eats-up the alum. wire because wire loom cover is a fabric mesh , not waterproof .
Hey, the stock Dexter 3,500 axle has same 5 on 4 1/2 bolt pattern as van except fractional , front metric . I had 3,500 spindles installed by factory in 3 in. tube , 5,000 lb. axle . Axle isn’t bent , it is broken , good luck ,
I have experimented with rear shocks . They are almost horizontal with very little travel . I made brackets and machined axle to install taller shocks . The torsion rear axle is just a harsh , jouncy ride , no way around it .
Everyone should try to drive a first generation unit with no dampening at least once. It’s a nightmare!
You are absolutely right . I changed my first 92 Aeromate to rear leaf springs . I just bought second 92 Aeromate . I like them . Owned first one 25 years .
Hey , just a little tip , if trans. overheats it shuts off fuel pump . I put a pick up truck trans cooler and temp. gauge on engine . I found factory trans. cooler too small . The trans. can be adjusted for tighter shifts and lowers trans. temp. . First though , it could be partially clogged fuel filter . You might want to move fuel filter . On mine it is right next to muffler and the short hoses at filter sprayed gas on muffler .
No loadleveling air bags will fit . Change over to 4” or 6” Dexter drop axle with leaf springs . Add shocks .
Will the Dexter leaf spring axle assembly bolt right onto the frame where the torsion assembly does? That would be awesome!
1992 3.3L conversación to 04 gran caravan , Small modificacion on right mount braket,and strut towers and steering Carrier mounting brackets
Hello Rogeio, I also have a 92 Aeromate and my vin sticker is unreadable, in order to get a replacement i need a picture of one. if I would greatly appreciate your help.
thank
Bryna
Hey , when you have sag , the axle is damaged , it is going to drop , next . I had it drop me on road . You need leaf springs , but you should look at frame , it is so light . Air bags work well with leaf springs for extra lift . Shocks are an easy add-on . If trans. won’t shift , check that alum. ground wire from computer to trans . The alum. wire has a string wrap and road-salt , eats-up the alum. wire because wire loom cover is a fabric mesh , not waterproof .
I would like to know a lot more about that eng . and trans swap . How many changes in shock towers ? How about K frame ? TheGeneration two and three van have an adjustment left and right for equal free play in ends of half-shafts. It is described if you get good repair manual . I adjust the eng. and trans. to left side to work on front of engine or change serpentine belt . Check me out . Adjust that funny long nut on left trans. mount .
I haven’t discussed this before and would like to know a lot more about that eng . and trans swap . How many changes in shock towers ? How about K frame ? TheGeneration two and three van have an adjustment left and right for equal free play in ends of half-shafts. It is described if you get good repair manual . I adjust the eng. and trans. to left side to work on front of engine or change serpentine belt . Check me out . Adjust that funny long nut on left trans. mount .
Mill Supply, has a lot of replacement parts for 94 aeromate (90-95), I buy most of my stuff from them.
I would like to know if anyone has any info about the instrument panel, what did you use to replace items? What is comparable to replace them with?
What shocks can I replace with?
Our fuel pump just went out this weekend, thank goodness we hadn’t left house yet.
Hi Naomi would you be able to tell me where Mill Suppy is located at I would like to see if they can provide me with a gas pump for my 1994 !!!! I hope they have one!!!
Hi Renee, I apologize for getting back to you so late. But, its Mill Supply online and they have a website. My mechanic I use finds everything we need that I can’t do myself.
The factory shocks or Konica adjustable shocks don’t help . I built longer mounts . Nothing helps but changing to leaf springs . The back end may sit higher , but cars won’t be driving over bumper into alum. body .
So happy to find this website I have a 1992 Aeromate 3.3 V6 that needs a radiator does anybody know what radiator I can use as a replacement. And the speedometer is not working any suggestions?? Thank you Bryna
Just bought an 1989 with sliding front doors and windows in back doors.
Has anyone noticed that there are no signal lights on sides of van . Hard to believe it would leave factory like that . Signal lights on sides makes it easier to change lanes in heavy traffic .
It has front and rear side marker lights and reflectors—the only side lighting items required in the United States and Canada. The front side markers may be wired to also flash with the turn signal, but this is optional. North American regs do not require side-on visibility of any vehicle’s turn signals. Which is stupid and wrong, but there it is.
Hello Everyone & Marcus ..
I was able to locate a gas pump Thanks to God and this webpage!!
Now I’m on the hunt again for a fuse box with harness for. .
My repair guy says the fuse box is all messed up and there is a chance that the fuel pump which I brought from Mills Supply may not even need to be replaced.
According to my repair guy the fuse box w/harness definitely needs to go.
Does anybody know where I can find a used
fused box For my 1995 areomate and the from grill /needs to be repaired or replaced!
All information is great appreciated!! Thanks I advance!!