I would not disregard the reports of the engine running hotter with an obstruction in front of the radiator. You will lose some cooling capacity. Will it be enough to put your engine in danger of overheating?
No one here can offer anything but a guess as no one knows what van or how much of the radiator is occluded by the potential front storage box, the particular aerodynamics, and the state of health of your existing cooling system.
So if you find the temperature needle reading higher, whats the plan?
It's a distinct possibility. A bigger thicker radiator. A heavier duty fan clutch. Potential extra electric fans. Thicker engine oil. All of these might be enough. Or might not.
Overheating is not just stop and let it cool or simply slow down. It can crack or warp the heads, blow head gaskets, crack the block.
Dont assume or wishhope the only issue is stability of the front storage box. A hd truck might very well be able to handle the partially blocked airflow. A van never intended for a raised roof or loaded to the gills is likely lacking in cooling capacity to begin with.
I'd say at the minimum to get some powerful electric pusher fans mounted in front or puller fans mounted behind radiator , that kick on at 200f especially summer driving out west.
the transmission cooler in the radiator and airflow.over the potential additional cOoler need to be considered too. A transmission running 20f hotter will not be happy.
The storage box out front might be a solution for storage issues, but help to destroy the drivetrain.
I would personally find a different storage solution, and i have additional temp sensors on the vitals, and additional coolers and know the health of my cooling system.
