Page 1 of 2
Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 11:01 pm
by SamD
Hi there, this is my first post, so hi to you all, I've always worked with companies that have supplied vans however i'm taking the step of getting my own van fairly soon, as its going to be my only vehicle and i live in a city i was thinking something along the lines of a vito or transporter. One main priority though is being able to get a bulk bag in the back. Does anybody know if this is possible with a smaller van? Any suggestions would be great. Many thanks. Sam
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 2:22 pm
by Pablo
Hi Sam those 2 Vans might be a bit light if you're going to haul a ton plus passengers and tools a lot of them have tailgate doors not barndoors too so a forklift can't load them. I use Iveco Dailys I have a SWB 29L10 and a 35C12. The 29L10 is about the same length but taller and wider than the vito and transporter. They are bombproof have rear wheel drive parts are easy and not to pricey and the turning circle is brilliant. I'm on my second 29 the first having done just under 200000 miles mostly with a trailer or a full load. They have a gross of 3.2tons new or second hand they are good value. The engines are fast and powerful though not great for economy but not terrible. The worst thing about them is they have crap cupholders. Good luck with starting out on your own.
Edited By Pablo on 1238017823
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 4:21 pm
by Artisan
We have a Nissan Primastar (same as Vivaro) which is a superb van, comfortable, fast, economical, and so far at least completely reliable. I'd recomend the full bulkhead, always better than getting poked in the back of the swede by a flying chisel during an emergrency stop. Excellent load space, can shift quite a few 6' panels.
We also have a Citroen Relay which has cost a fortune in gearbox repairs, and other constant annoying problems.
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 6:05 pm
by Amogen
Second vote for the Vivaro.
We have all got LWB Crew Cab Versions. Slightly bigger load that the SWB, but has 6 proper seats with bulkhead behing rear seats. Fast, efficient and comfortable.
Best part about it is that at weekends, i can fit 6 mountain bikes, plus luggage and other stuff in the back, and me and 5 mates in the front. Also fits in 2 Motor Cross Bikes. One Quad. But not all at the same time mind!!!!
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 6:16 pm
by DNgroundworks
Good old transit for me!
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 6:18 pm
by msh paving
iv not had a closed in van for paving and ground work always had a cabstar tipper,transit tipper, and now a 7.5 ton tipper,if you are collecting blocks,slabs,sand,cement a closed in van is a pain to forklift into or a loading shovel to tip in,i know tools are locked up but i always bolted a tool vault on the back that's my view anyway...........lol MSH 
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 6:57 pm
by topgrafter2007
id go for iveco tipper, had one for 3yr now, never let me down in anyway. easy to fix, bits are cheap, engines are bombproof! does 80mph with load. not costly to buy neither. got two transits and although there ok they arnt most reliable ive had. my 135bhp goes like stink good old iveco tipper 52 or 53 plate costs bout 3 to 4grand and then stick toolbox on back and upgraded leafsprings if you can afford em. they sag under pressure (bit like old women APPARENTLY...) 
Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 7:32 pm
by yourgardenworks.co.uk
I have a Citroen Relay.
I wish i didn't have a Citroen Relay.
Will carry a bulk bag no problem, it's still a stinking heap of junk though.
Go go for a Nissan Cabstar.
Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 8:48 pm
by digerjones
yes i run a cabstar, carry weight no problem.i've had over 4 tonne on mine. did'nt bother it too much
Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 9:13 am
by Dave_L
digerjones wrote:i've had over 4 tonne on mine. did'nt bother it too much
Do you have weighbridges nearby? :p
Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 9:16 am
by msh paving
considering a cabstar tipper carrys 1.5ton , i think to carry 4ton is a little bit optomistic MSH
Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 9:23 am
by Dave_L
Mr Jones' Cabstar as seen earlier!
Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 9:39 am
by msh paving
Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 10:55 pm
by digerjones
sorry should have said total weight. i think the photo would be correct if i carried 4 ton. plus i did'nt say i was on the rooad with it i do know its 3.40 tonnes gross
Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 11:00 pm
by digerjones
just looking at the photo again why would the truck be tipping his load up while in a houseing estate.