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New van required, advice needed
Despite being reluctant to spend the cash and change our van (current van is mechanically sound) it’s reaching the point that we’ve no option. The carrying of scaffolding, and ever increasing number of tools is leaving us at the point that we risk damaging the signs we’re desperate to protect. We’ve currently a short wheel base, semi high roof transit that’s busting at the gills. We’re toying with the idea of a box van but the majority of them have tail lifts and no side door which I can see being a pain. The last couple of jobs have cost us multiple journeys to prevent damaging the signs. What’s everyone else driving here, or what would they like if they’d the option? Also any pics of storage solutions inside the van would be appreciated. Thanks 🙂
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18 Replies
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i think when it comes to space, theres only really one good option. Mercedes sprinter.
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We have always used Mercedes, even since I started as an apprentice.
A few years ago, we purchased a transit, and much as it was a mid-wheel base, same as our sprinters, it did not give you the same space in the back, which limited us when carrying 10×5 sheets of composite.
As much as the Transit is a great and very reliable van, the slightly short space in the back is annoying!
Otherwise, I would recommend either vehicle, but do not get short-changed on space, in the back! -
I only have a small van (NV200) but have hired a trailer on occasions when extra carrying capacity was required
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transits are workhorses. as long as you get the size you need, you cant go wrong. 💪
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Relay. l3 H2. Had ours from new in 2018. Just about to sell. 80,000 miles and no major issues.
My little legs can climb in and out of it with easy. I find the sprinters a bit high tbh.
Will be replaced with another. Coin saving on these compared to merc or Ford is great for what it is personally. No heated windscreen, but plenty space. More like your box van.
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My advice would be to avoid Transit, we have one in our unit 17 reg 85000 miles totally unuseable as only starts once in a blue moon, been to many garages and even back to Ford who want to put in a new engine for £12000 my previous transit 4 gearboxes, my wifes Fiesta new engine 56000 miles, my Scorpio new gearbox 70000 miles. Less than a 1000 miles on our current vansince last MOT due to breakdown after breakdown, this year just not used, waste of time and money.
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Can’t really fault my Movano LWB HT.
Keep racking, couple of 3×11 ladders and all tools and kit in stacking / rolling containers on non- door side leaving passenger side free for an honest 3.7m against the side…or 3.9 with a curve.
Toyed with the idea of a big box van but no real advantage for space and parking is a pain.
Whatever, always get the biggest as hard to regret that, but easy to wish there was more room.
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Thanks for the replies folks. Looks like the box van is out the window with one of the long wheelbase vans above to take over from our trusty Transit. All we need to do now is find one at the right price. That’s the problem with N. Ireland, we’ve nowhere near the same selection available to us. Might be on the ferry yet lol
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Here its toyota or ford.
Dont get vw
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you only have to look at the amount of transits, sprinters and VWs are on the road to see whats popular. they are everywhere. but the prices have gone through the roof!
my next van might be a horse and cart 🤔
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Like Phil I only have a small van now (VW Caddy), it’s starting to show it’s age and is starting to cost more and more keeping it going. As most of my work is local I’m contemplating moving to an EV.
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We looked at a EV, but being in the countryside it currently wouldn’t work for us with the highly limited amount of chargers, and limited range on the medium size vans.
Slightly worried about the batteries, they will need replacing at some point, which isnt cheap, so guess you need some kind of warranty on them?
EV are fun to drive, I will say that, as full torque at wheels straight away!
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Yes I’m based in near the city centre, most of my work doesn’t take me anywhere near the maximum range of an EV. I could charge at home overnight for about £4 and get 150mi range, cheaper than chucking fuel in the car or van.
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My older brother and sister, and several of my mates all have Teslas.
Lovely cars with lots of amazing features. But that old “charging” scenario will always prevent me from ever wanting an electrical vehicle. They all say it’s not a problem, they all have home-charging, and maybe it is not. But the number of times I have spoken to every one of them, at some point, and they are either waiting for their car to charge or needing to head to a charge point before heading somewhere else, etc. Just confirms to me every time that an electric vehicle is not for me!
Throw in the cost of new batteries and other issues starting to come to light, and I just do not see any reason why I would want to switch. especially for my business. I have enough on my plate that I need to think about other than “oh sh!t, where can I plug my van in?” 🤔-
We trialled an NV200 years ago, we popped over to the other side of Manchester and back… Granted my dad see how fast it would go, but we ended up sat waiting for the thing to charge to get him home.
Since then ranges have increased. I can charge overnight, plug in at work, and the network of public chargers has increased.
I’ve opted for a 2year lease, and the deal I’ve got is a bargain.
If I was all over the country it would be different scenario, but with me mostly working locally it shouldn’t be an issue.
The few times I do venture further afield, a little more planning will be required, and charge times… But I think the savings on the more regular journey will make up for that.
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The new van got delivered last week, and it drives lovely, a very nice van.
However, what I didn’t appreciate was after visiting the local rapid charger, the van decided it was in love with the charger and wouldn’t release the cable. Instavolt did all they could before calling for roadside assistance… over 5 hours sat in a carpark tied to a charger 🤬 I’m awaiting the PCN for exceeding the 90min time limit.
The home charger is being installed this week, so public charging should be a rarity.
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😬 I hear that chucking a bucket of cold water over the pair of them helps separate them fast! 🤣
Home charger has to be the way to go! 👍
Is that a long wheelbase?
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Yes it’s the LWB version, it takes my larger (10ft) ladders comfortably.
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