| Manufacturer | Grumman |
|---|---|
| Production | 1987–1994[1] |
| Assembly | United States |
| Predecessor | Jeep DJ (US) |
| Body style | Aluminum |
| Engine | GM Iron Duke engine |
| Transmission | 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 180 automatic transmission[2] |
| Wheelbase | 99 inches |
| Length | 144 inches |
| Height | 71 inches |
| Curb weight | 2700 lbs (curb) |
| Related | Kurbwatt, Kurbvan |
The Grumman Long Life Vehicle or LLV is a light transport truck designed for and primarily used by the United States Postal Service.
In the United States, it is the most common vehicle used by letter carriers for curbside and residential delivery of mail, replacing the previous standard letter-carrier vehicle, the Jeep DJ-5. It entered service in 1987. The USPS purchased over 100,000 of these vehicles, of which the last was purchased in 1994.[1] A number were also sold to Canada, Mexico, and several other countries.
Like the old postal-service Jeep, it features a right-handed driver's position (the opposite of the normal U.S. passenger car left-hand drive) and a large metal tray (able to hold three trays of letter mail) mounted where a passenger seat would normally be. This arrangement positions the driver on the side of the vehicle closest to the curb, enabling the carrier to easily grab sorted mail and place it into mailboxes without having to leave the seat (See: Video example). Other notable features are an exceptionally tight turning radius[3] and a low-geared, 3 speed transmission[2] for hauling heavy cargo. The LLV has a 1,000-pound (450 kg) cargo capacity.[1]
The LLV was specifically designed for the United States Postal Service with Grumman winning a contract for production. The main design points of the vehicle in contract competition were serviceability, handling in confined areas, and overall economical operation. As its name suggests, the LLV is easily capable of 20 years of operation. The original design lifespan of the LLV specified by the US Postal Service was 24 years, but in 2009 this was extended to 30 years. The body and final assembly is by Grumman, and the chassis is made by General Motors, with the powerplant (2.5L I-4 TBI "Iron Duke" and, in later production, GM 2.2L I-4 iron block/aluminum head engine), instrument cluster and front suspension similar to those used in the Chevrolet S-10 pickup.
The LLV's average EPA fuel economy is 17 mpg (16 city/18 highway).[2]
Like other U.S. postal vehicles, they lack license plates, but have a postal service serial number instead.
Because the USPS owns over 100,000 LLVs, of which the oldest are nearing the end of their lifespan, the USPS has been looking into replacing or retrofitting the LLVs. In fiscal year 2009, the USPS spent $524 million to repair LLVs, and estimated that it would cost $4.2 billion to replace the entire fleet.[4] In some areas LLVs have been replaced with minivans, which tend to be much more comfortable for postal workers, especially in extreme climates.
Canada Post also eventually adopted the LLV, and around 2008, began studying to determine whether to refurbish, upgrade, or replace its fleet. On March 18, 2010, Canada Post and Ford Motor Company announced that Canada Post would purchase a fleet of Ford Transit Connect vans.[5]