Our university museum was just approved for a new vehicle for transporting art - both on and around campus and to nearby metropolitan areas. When we submitted our request we asked for air ride suspension, a lift gate, climate control in the cargo area, horizontal E track, and a sizable cargo area. The university department in charge of vehicle purchasing has since informed me that these specs are out of our current budget if buying new and are suggesting a used truck with a lift gate and E track that they could retrofit with climate control. This truck would not include air ride suspension and the purchasing department is stating that it is unnecessary.

Can anyone recommend particular vehicles that we should look into?
Any research or documentation about the necessity of air ride suspension that I could use to further convince the university of its importance?

Any advice, suggestions, or input would be much appreciated!