Van Dude

Van Dude
Biographical information
Homeworld	Hfil
Physical description
Alternate Mode	Generic armoured van
Gender	Male
Sensor color	Dead grey
Personal information
Allies	Customercons
Enemies	Arbitrary Autobots
Profession	Cargo transport
Chronological and political information
Era(s)	Bored Fish era
Affiliation	Customercon

The Van Dude body-type is one of the most common Customercon designs. Originally designed for cargo and heavy labour, the Customercons have re-purposed them for combat. The results of this change are questionable; however, if these problems are a flaw with the body design or Customercons being themselves is another matter.

Capabilities

The Van Dude is one of the strongest of the Customercons, only exceeded by the larger types like the Boofhead and Crabbe. Not only does this allow it to punch things real good, but also to carry large loads. In addition, the Van Dude has excellent operational endurance and range, allowing it to carry heavy loads over long distances and ensure that they will get to their destination. Well, assuming that the Van Dudes don’t get lost along the way, or blow up, or fall into lava pits. These are distinct possibilities.

To aid in their roles as cargo haulers, all Van Dudes have a built-in chest-mounted grepper claw. This allows them to grab heavy loads and move them, as well as to steal things, such as snacks. The claw can also be used to grab unsuspecting enemies, although you probably have to be doing something wrong to be surprised by a big slow guy shooting his entire chest at you.

Unfortunately, the Van Dude is not without its flaws. It is very slow and rather clumsy, which means that it makes for a particularly dull-witted target, even by Customercon standards. Also while they are rather durable, Van Dudes tend to lose panels (or even their heads) rather easily. This leaves them standing around looking awkward and naked, which becomes just plain embarrassing for all involved.

Known Van Dudes

• Joe Momma

Van Dude in action

There is a great deal of variety between individual Van Dudes

A Van Dude in the field

A rare Van Dude-Fuzzbox hybrid