[matty72]

I know this has been discussed before I've had a look at the past chats, for those of you that have smaller vans just wanted to ask you, I've always had vaux vivaros buts its been in garage more than on the road this month, im looking at citroen berlingos i did have one when i first started, do poles fit without taking out bulk, can you get a days work done with a 450 tank,, is there space for ladders for gates, upright or flat tank whats best, any pics of set up, cheers

[dd]

The new ones go up to 1000kg payload, if you want more space they do a lwb version. This is probably what I would get if I ever replace my van.

[matty72]

yea payload looks good im looking at lwb

[richard connett]

Have a look at the caddy maxi. Room for poles and enough payload for a 500l and reliable

[matty72]

will do rich, cheers

[DJW]

I have a new SWB Toyota Proace City (Berlingo) and strapped a 450l tank in the back. 30’ pole fits diagonally easily. Longer pole could go through the bulkhead flap if need be. Hose reel on top of the tank. Prob need to put ladders on the roof.
Worked ok for a couple of weeks whilst my Hiace was off the road.

[NBwcs]

I know this has been discussed before I've had a look at the past chats, for those of you that have smaller vans just wanted to ask you, I've always had vaux vivaros buts its been in garage more than on the road this month, im looking at citroen berlingos i did have one when i first started, do poles fit without taking out bulk, can you get a days work done with a 450 tank,, is there space for ladders for gates, upright or flat tank whats best, any pics of set up, cheers

What sort of problems are you having with the vivaro?, I've just bought one, ex Bt.

[Stoots]

A few 1000kg payload small vans about now.

If getting a caddy avoid the 1.6 engine its rubbish, known for injector issues. Worst van I've had. Payloads are poop as well.

[matty72]

my first vivaro no probs, this one things gone wrong from the start, clutch just went didnt help i went to rubbish mechanic  the dpf keeps causing problems, the usual brake pads, had afew other smaller things, now theres a scrpaing noise at the front, i think brake pad or disc but im not surein the last 6 to 8 weeks costed me between 3 and 4 k, i think its just down to bad luck on this van, with the dpf they cleaned it out but i think its going to come back

[Splash & dash]

my first vivaro no probs, this one things gone wrong from the start, clutch just went didnt help i went to rubbish mechanic  the dpf keeps causing problems, the usual brake pads, had afew other smaller things, now theres a scrpaing noise at the front, i think brake pad or disc but im not surein the last 6 to 8 weeks costed me between 3 and 4 k, i think its just down to bad luck on this van, with the dpf they cleaned it out but i think its going to come back

You can have the DPF blanked off that will permanently solve the problem I had it done on one of my vans years ago

[matty72]

whats that splash, i will look it up cheers

[matty72]

anyone work full time out of a swb, how you fit everything ok

[NBwcs]

my first vivaro no probs, this one things gone wrong from the start, clutch just went didnt help i went to rubbish mechanic  the dpf keeps causing problems, the usual brake pads, had afew other smaller things, now theres a scrpaing noise at the front, i think brake pad or disc but im not surein the last 6 to 8 weeks costed me between 3 and 4 k, i think its just down to bad luck on this van, with the dpf they cleaned it out but i think its going to come back

i was talking to my mechanic about any potential pitfalls with the vivaro and he  mentioned the dpf because he knows the furthest i travel is about 3 miles  but said pretty much all newer vans have the same problem, the dpf just doesnt  like continual short journeys so going to have to use it more for personal use and give it a good run.

[matty72]

yea give it a good run every 300 to 400 miles i was trying to do that but kept doing the problem still might have to do more often, splash blocking the dpv is illegal but i might still consider if i can find someone to do it

[Splash & dash]

whats that splash, i will look it up cheers

They remove the core of the DPF and put a solid metal plate in there so it’s blanked off , it will still pass an MOT fine most smaller garages will do this , it’s cost effective for you as the owner of the van but not fir the garage as you will never have to have it done again . I had mine changed a couple of times until I heard about this  modification . 

[Splash & dash]

my first vivaro no probs, this one things gone wrong from the start, clutch just went didnt help i went to rubbish mechanic  the dpf keeps causing problems, the usual brake pads, had afew other smaller things, now theres a scrpaing noise at the front, i think brake pad or disc but im not surein the last 6 to 8 weeks costed me between 3 and 4 k, i think its just down to bad luck on this van, with the dpf they cleaned it out but i think its going to come back

You can have the DPF blanked off that will permanently solve the problem I had it done on one of my vans years ago

Apologies ime getting DPF and  EGR valves mixed up , it was the EGR  valve that’s blanked off , but think you can also do similar with the DPF

[DJW]

I would check on the dpf blanking if I were you.
I was told by an MOT tester if they spot it it’s an immediate failure. Apparently they are tightening up on emissions.
If you blank the egr valve then the engine needs to be remapped.

[Splash & dash]

my first vivaro no probs, this one things gone wrong from the start, clutch just went didnt help i went to rubbish mechanic  the dpf keeps causing problems, the usual brake pads, had afew other smaller things, now theres a scrpaing noise at the front, i think brake pad or disc but im not surein the last 6 to 8 weeks costed me between 3 and 4 k, i think its just down to bad luck on this van, with the dpf they cleaned it out but i think its going to come back

i was talking to my mechanic about any potential pitfalls with the vivaro and he  mentioned the dpf because he knows the furthest i travel is about 3 miles  but said pretty much all newer vans have the same problem, the dpf just doesnt  like continual short journeys so going to have to use it more for personal use and give it a good run.

Euro 6 vans with add blue don’t suffer from this problem or at least none of mine have since changing

[Splash & dash]

I would check on the dpf blanking if I were you.
I was told by an MOT tester if they spot it it’s an immediate failure. Apparently they are tightening up on emissions.
If you blank the egr valve then the engine needs to be remapped.

Don’t fully understand it all but mine weren’t re mapped they just took the internal bits out of the valve and put in a blanking plate had the van for a further 6 years and never had any more problems with it , not saying it’s right but you can buy  exhaust parts that don't have the DPFin them they are empty and again provided the engine is ok and not knackerd it will pass an MOT no problem or at least that was the case a few years ago

[Splash & dash]

Here you go , also a product called cat a clean is quite good to remove deposit build up it costs around £10 a bottle friends have used it with good results

[DJW]

Very poor advice 2016!
Check Gov site for up to date advice. Things have changed.

[DJW]

[Splash & dash]

That’s a fair point but if it passes the MOT then it’s ok emissions wise , and not putting anything into the atmosphere that wouldn’t be present if one was fitted , but I accept it’s not the way to deal with it although Nissan uk we’re removing the DPF s and just putting a straight pipe in there place in 2014 as that’s what they did with a couple of friend of mine it was a genuine Nissan part with there part number on the pipe 😂😂probably stoped fitting them now then ? It was the only way they could keep them from going into limp home mode back then , DPF is usually fairly easy to clean using fuel additives on a regular basis especially if always doing short journeys , and or a good blast up the road every few weeks . It’s the EGR valves that are more difficult to rectify unless they are blanked off .

[Smudger]

Well done for correcting your error splash - old vivaros  were famous for the ERG playing up - I sealed mine with a coke can cut to the right size 

DPF - is basically a concrete honeycomb in the exhaust - it collects carbon particles so the exhaust is very slightly cleaner - however at some point this honeycomb can block - engine management is supposed to run the engine hotter to basically burn the carbon more and blow it out all at once (so as far as I can see not particularly environmentally friendly)

If its blocked you can do 3 things - 1 garage can fit you a new one (very expensive) 2 garage can try to burn the carbon out - various methods most cost a few hundred - not guaranteed to work 3 - take off exhaust - get a big drill and remove the DPF 

not failed an MOT in the last 3 years with mine - van runs better as well 

Darran

[deeege]

Back on topic. Berlingos are great vans and ideal for single operators with a 450 tank. I’ve had 4 now, first 3 were leased and now I’ve bought a nearly new one. I wouldn’t fancy putting a bigger tank than 450/500 though even though the payload would suggest you could.

All have been superb. 27ft pole fits inside no problem and the occasional time I need a 50ft+ pole I just detach the brush/adapter and it fits sideways.

I do 150ish miles a week so need a newer/reliable van and these are perfect for me, always get the higher 1000kg+ payload versions.

450 litres is plenty for my working day and I very rarely run out of water.

Edit:- just thinking how much better this place is when we can have these discussions without that nobhead turning every discussion into ‘French vans are crap’ and ‘transporters are the only vans worth having’.

[Soupy]

I run lwb doblos which are the same van.

650 in the back - no issues. Well within payload.

[NBwcs]

Well done for correcting your error splash - old vivaros  were famous for the ERG playing up - I sealed mine with a coke can cut to the right size 

DPF - is basically a concrete honeycomb in the exhaust - it collects carbon particles so the exhaust is very slightly cleaner - however at some point this honeycomb can block - engine management is supposed to run the engine hotter to basically burn the carbon more and blow it out all at once (so as far as I can see not particularly environmentally friendly)

If its blocked you can do 3 things - 1 garage can fit you a new one (very expensive) 2 garage can try to burn the carbon out - various methods most cost a few hundred - not guaranteed to work 3 - take off exhaust - get a big drill and remove the DPF 

not failed an MOT in the last 3 years with mine - van runs better as well 

Darran

I'm fairly ignorant about engines, I'm a Google mechanic  , but I see there are additives which go straight into the diesel tank and also some spray foam type cleaners that are injected straight into the dpf which are quite cheap, any idea if these are any good?

[Soupy]

The new Berlingos (et al) are 1.5 which is fine. Touch wood.

[dazmond]

my first vivaro no probs, this one things gone wrong from the start, clutch just went didnt help i went to rubbish mechanic  the dpf keeps causing problems, the usual brake pads, had afew other smaller things, now theres a scrpaing noise at the front, i think brake pad or disc but im not surein the last 6 to 8 weeks costed me between 3 and 4 k, i think its just down to bad luck on this van, with the dpf they cleaned it out but i think its going to come back

i was talking to my mechanic about any potential pitfalls with the vivaro and he  mentioned the dpf because he knows the furthest i travel is about 3 miles  but said pretty much all newer vans have the same problem, the dpf just doesnt  like continual short journeys so going to have to use it more for personal use and give it a good run.

Nowt wrong with my DPF and I've had my connect over 6 years.its only got 20k on the clock.short journeys all the time.

[Splash & dash]

Well done for correcting your error splash - old vivaros  were famous for the ERG playing up - I sealed mine with a coke can cut to the right size 

DPF - is basically a concrete honeycomb in the exhaust - it collects carbon particles so the exhaust is very slightly cleaner - however at some point this honeycomb can block - engine management is supposed to run the engine hotter to basically burn the carbon more and blow it out all at once (so as far as I can see not particularly environmentally friendly)

If its blocked you can do 3 things - 1 garage can fit you a new one (very expensive) 2 garage can try to burn the carbon out - various methods most cost a few hundred - not guaranteed to work 3 - take off exhaust - get a big drill and remove the DPF 

not failed an MOT in the last 3 years with mine - van runs better as well 

Darran

Think the honeycomb bit is made of titanium as they are very prone to being stolen by scumbags 😂😂😂 anything that restricts exhaust gas removal  will cause less performance.

[Splash & dash]

Well done for correcting your error splash - old vivaros  were famous for the ERG playing up - I sealed mine with a coke can cut to the right size 

DPF - is basically a concrete honeycomb in the exhaust - it collects carbon particles so the exhaust is very slightly cleaner - however at some point this honeycomb can block - engine management is supposed to run the engine hotter to basically burn the carbon more and blow it out all at once (so as far as I can see not particularly environmentally friendly)

If its blocked you can do 3 things - 1 garage can fit you a new one (very expensive) 2 garage can try to burn the carbon out - various methods most cost a few hundred - not guaranteed to work 3 - take off exhaust - get a big drill and remove the DPF 

not failed an MOT in the last 3 years with mine - van runs better as well 

Darran

I'm fairly ignorant about engines, I'm a Google mechanic  , but I see there are additives which go straight into the diesel tank and also some spray foam type cleaners that are injected straight into the dpf which are quite cheap, any idea if these are any good?

Yes they do work cat a clean is quite a good one

[Splash & dash]

my first vivaro no probs, this one things gone wrong from the start, clutch just went didnt help i went to rubbish mechanic  the dpf keeps causing problems, the usual brake pads, had afew other smaller things, now theres a scrpaing noise at the front, i think brake pad or disc but im not surein the last 6 to 8 weeks costed me between 3 and 4 k, i think its just down to bad luck on this van, with the dpf they cleaned it out but i think its going to come back

i was talking to my mechanic about any potential pitfalls with the vivaro and he  mentioned the dpf because he knows the furthest i travel is about 3 miles  but said pretty much all newer vans have the same problem, the dpf just doesnt  like continual short journeys so going to have to use it more for personal use and give it a good run.

Nowt wrong with my DPF and I've had my connect over 6 years.its only got 20k on the clock.short journeys all the time.

Is it euro 6 with add blue ?

[dazmond]

my first vivaro no probs, this one things gone wrong from the start, clutch just went didnt help i went to rubbish mechanic  the dpf keeps causing problems, the usual brake pads, had afew other smaller things, now theres a scrpaing noise at the front, i think brake pad or disc but im not surein the last 6 to 8 weeks costed me between 3 and 4 k, i think its just down to bad luck on this van, with the dpf they cleaned it out but i think its going to come back

i was talking to my mechanic about any potential pitfalls with the vivaro and he  mentioned the dpf because he knows the furthest i travel is about 3 miles  but said pretty much all newer vans have the same problem, the dpf just doesnt  like continual short journeys so going to have to use it more for personal use and give it a good run.

Nowt wrong with my DPF and I've had my connect over 6 years.its only got 20k on the clock.short journeys all the time.

Is it euro 6 with add blue ?

It's euro 6 but I don't have to top up with ad blue.

[matty72]

deeege, is your berlingo swb or lwb, do u get ladders in there, im off to have a look at a couple next week, tricky one this i spent so much fixing the vivaro im thinking should i keep it, but i thought that six months ago, if i did get a smaller van i will have to bwe more careful with my water

[Soupy]

deeege, is your berlingo swb or lwb, do u get ladders in there, im off to have a look at a couple next week, tricky one this i spent so much fixing the vivaro im thinking should i keep it, but i thought that six months ago, if i did get a smaller van i will have to bwe more careful with my water

I've got one swb Berlingo, I bought it when there was a shortage of vans. I wouldn't buy another one, it's too small. The 650 upright only just fits

[matty72]

I've just been to have a look at swb berlingo amazing you can get a 650 in there I think 500 would be ok but ladders to get over gates won't fit, poles would at angel i think.

[Ggh]

deeege, is your berlingo swb or lwb, do u get ladders in there, im off to have a look at a couple next week, tricky one this i spent so much fixing the vivaro im thinking should i keep it, but i thought that six months ago, if i did get a smaller van i will have to bwe more careful with my water

I've got one swb Berlingo, I bought it when there was a shortage of vans. I wouldn't buy another one, it's too small. The 650 upright only just fits

     
     

[dazmond]

Personally I wouldn't have anything less than a 500L tank and a van long enough to fit poles in without cutting into the bulkhead.

Connect L2 240 is my perfect van.

[Ched]

I've just been to have a look at swb berlingo amazing you can get a 650 in there I think 500 would be ok but ladders to get over gates won't fit, poles would at angel i think.

I have a 400lts upright tank in my 2019 Partner (same as Berlingo, Totota Pro Ace City and Vauxhall Combo). I have step ladders that slide on my pole rack to the top of the tank just fit. As for poles I do have a 58mm downpipe that is cut through the bulkhead and it goes into the the over windscreen storage, doesn't impact headroom unless you are about 7ft tall. I also have racking on right, full ro with booster and twin di, pure freedom reel on left with through floor rollers, Panther vac, cones and 2 gardiners backpacks plus gutter poles between tank and bulkhead. It's a squeeze but works fine for me.

[deeege]

deeege, is your berlingo swb or lwb, do u get ladders in there, im off to have a look at a couple next week, tricky one this i spent so much fixing the vivaro im thinking should i keep it, but i thought that six months ago, if i did get a smaller van i will have to bwe more careful with my water

Mines LWB but tbh the difference is minimal. I have a set of triple ladders on a rack on the roof but not inside, why would you want ladders inside? If you can manage with 500 litres or less a Berlingo would be ideal.

[deeege]

Personally I wouldn't have anything less than a 500L tank and a van long enough to fit poles in without cutting into the bulkhead.

Connect L2 240 is my perfect van.

A Berlingo has a bigger payload and is longer so would be even better.

[DJW]

Berlingo/Proace City has a clever panel behind the passenger seat that allows longer loads to fit with the seat folded down. Long poles can fit through with the right size tank. The tank I have I fitted long ways to allow enough room for this.

[Stoots]

Price of new vans is getting ridiculous

Couple of years ago you could get a doblo for 13k plus vat they are now 20k plus VAT 

[Soupy]

Price of new vans is getting ridiculous

Couple of years ago you could get a doblo for 13k plus vat they are now 20k plus VAT 

It's madness.

[AuRavelling79]

Price of new vans is getting ridiculous

Couple of years ago you could get a doblo for 13k plus vat they are now 20k plus VAT 

It's madness.

It really Suggs.

[Soupy]

Price of new vans is getting ridiculous

Couple of years ago you could get a doblo for 13k plus vat they are now 20k plus VAT 

It's madness.

It really Suggs.

Do you see?

Ban able offence.

[Smudger]

Not in our house

[DJW]

Personally, I think that’s one step beyond.

[Soupy]

One day I'll be a mod and you will all be banned.

[Stoots]

Really glad I don't know any madness songs.

Thankfully the 80s was before my time

Worst era in music ?

[Smudger]

Really glad I don't know any madness songs.

Thankfully the 80s was before my time

Worst era in music ?

Embarrassment. ?

[C.C.S.]

I think these 2 are interesting/good choices for window cleaning .I know they would be for me and the majority that don't travel to much . Rather this than a diesel one , not that I'm against it it's just o hear so many with issues with Dpf's , Egr's , Ad blue , injectors .


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202308311379238?sort=distance&advertising-location=at_vans&fuel-type=Electric&include-delivery-option=on&page=3&postcode=CO3%200QX&supplied-price-to=18000&year-from=2021&fromsra

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202306299063885?sort=distance&advertising-location=at_vans&fuel-type=Electric&include-delivery-option=on&postcode=CO3%200QX&supplied-price-to=22500&year-from=2021&fromsra

[matty72]

I decided to carry on with my vivaro for another year after all the dosh I spent on it, 80,000 miles on the clock, I had a look at a few vans, my fav would be peugeot partner seem slightly cheaper than citreon, there are some cheaper electric vans out there but  seems a bit of a gamble dont know any other windys with one.

[Clever Forum Name]

We’ve got 10 vans in the company and the smaller vans seem to more prone to things going wrong.

Especially brakes, steering and suspension.

I’d rather have a 500L tank in a transit compared to say a connect. 

[NBwcs]

I think these 2 are interesting/good choices for window cleaning .I know they would be for me and the majority that don't travel to much . Rather this than a diesel one , not that I'm against it it's just o hear so many with issues with Dpf's , Egr's , Ad blue , injectors .


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202308311379238?sort=distance&advertising-location=at_vans&fuel-type=Electric&include-delivery-option=on&page=3&postcode=CO3%200QX&supplied-price-to=18000&year-from=2021&fromsra

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202306299063885?sort=distance&advertising-location=at_vans&fuel-type=Electric&include-delivery-option=on&postcode=CO3%200QX&supplied-price-to=22500&year-from=2021&fromsra

Surprised at the price of that 1st one , much cheaper than i expected for electric, not that ive done any research. My worry with electric is the amount of water that gets sloshed about over the course of the vans life, the battery compartment would need to be 100% watertight.

[dazmond]

We’ve got 10 vans in the company and the smaller vans seem to more prone to things going wrong.

Especially brakes, steering and suspension.

I’d rather have a 500L tank in a transit compared to say a connect.

I'm still on the original brake pads on my connect and it's 7 years old in January.only things I've replaced is 2 front tyres and got it serviced every year.

[Soupy]

I think these 2 are interesting/good choices for window cleaning .I know they would be for me and the majority that don't travel to much . Rather this than a diesel one , not that I'm against it it's just o hear so many with issues with Dpf's , Egr's , Ad blue , injectors .


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202308311379238?sort=distance&advertising-location=at_vans&fuel-type=Electric&include-delivery-option=on&page=3&postcode=CO3%200QX&supplied-price-to=18000&year-from=2021&fromsra

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202306299063885?sort=distance&advertising-location=at_vans&fuel-type=Electric&include-delivery-option=on&postcode=CO3%200QX&supplied-price-to=22500&year-from=2021&fromsra

Surprised at the price of that 1st one , much cheaper than i expected for electric, not that ive done any research. My worry with electric is the amount of water that gets sloshed about over the course of the vans life, the battery compartment would need to be 100% watertight.

The batteries are sealed away. Not sure about the Chinese jobs in the links but the European ones I've had, it hasn't been an issue.

[The Jester of Wibbly]

With the cost of new vans more than doubling over the last 8 years, adding the cost of installing our water systems, it's more economical to take the hit on van repairs and maintenance.   Once all done, it will last many more years providing you service it regularly and check oil and coolant levels once a month.

My van I bought 8 years ago for 15k plus vat new, would now cost me 35k.

[Soupy]

With the cost of new vans more than doubling over the last 8 years, adding the cost of installing our water systems, it's more economical to take the hit on van repairs and maintenance.   Once all done, it will last many more years providing you service it regularly and check oil and coolant levels once a month.

My van I bought 8 years ago for 15k plus vat new, would now cost me 35k.

We check everything once a week and service every 6 months.

[dazmond]

With the cost of new vans more than doubling over the last 8 years, adding the cost of installing our water systems, it's more economical to take the hit on van repairs and maintenance.   Once all done, it will last many more years providing you service it regularly and check oil and coolant levels once a month.

My van I bought 8 years ago for 15k plus vat new, would now cost me 35k.

We check everything once a week and service every 6 months.

Thats overkill if you only do 3k miles a year like me.serviced once a year and MOT.top up washer fluid and check oil/water once a month.

[Soupy]

With the cost of new vans more than doubling over the last 8 years, adding the cost of installing our water systems, it's more economical to take the hit on van repairs and maintenance.   Once all done, it will last many more years providing you service it regularly and check oil and coolant levels once a month.

My van I bought 8 years ago for 15k plus vat new, would now cost me 35k.

We check everything once a week and service every 6 months.

Thats overkill if you only do 3k miles a year like me.serviced once a year and MOT.top up washer fluid and check oil/water once a month.

No such thing as overkill when it comes to vehicle maintenance!

 

[Smudger]

Van checks every day - fluid levels - lights - tyres - weekly tyre pressures, condition and wear
Service - as per service shedule  by manufacturer

[dd]

Only thing I check regularly is tyre pressure every 4 months or so. Owned van from new 18 years old, do about 7.5k mileage a year.
Not saying this is ideal but has been OK for 18 years.