Clean It Up

UK Floor Cleaning Forum => Carpet Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: AshWhite on March 07, 2011, 04:38:04 pm

Title: Which van?
Post by: AshWhite on March 07, 2011, 04:38:04 pm
Hi Guys,
I'm looking to purchase a Truckmount system and van, I think I've sorted which truckmount suits my needs, but I'm curious to how big a van I need.

Would a typical Short Wheel Base van be sufficient in size to carry the unit, hoses, wands, water tanks etc? Or would I be better looking for a bigger van?

The truckmount would be a typical 16hp version, and I would like room also to carry a vacuum and if possible a porty unit for times when the TM is not suitable.

I've been employed in the motor trade for quite a while so I'm familiar with the different makes and models, but I'm curious if anyone has regretted buying a van which is too big or too small for their requirements - especially as the cost of fuel etc is such a concern at the moment.

I appreciate any advice.

Regards,
Ashley
Title: Re: Which van?
Post by: Peter Sweeney on March 07, 2011, 04:49:03 pm
Would never have anything other than a Sprinter now that I have had one. Parts a bit expensive as you know but best runners ever. You need to MWB if you are carrying your own water or you run the risk of endless problems (not least the legal ones)

Pete
Title: Re: Which van?
Post by: gwrightson on March 07, 2011, 04:49:56 pm
Ashley,
i have one simple answer to your question, go for the largest you can afford , you can never have enough room in your van, by the time you start adding numerous other things perhaps in the future, you will wish you had gone for bigger than what you have One thing i hate is not been able to move inside the van.
geoff
Title: Re: Which van?
Post by: Dave Roelants on March 07, 2011, 05:12:45 pm
I have a more complicated answer, don't go for the biggest van as it will reduce the payload. Make sur it a 3.5GVW and get the smallest you can cope with, mines a SWB Sprinter and I have loads of room.
Title: Re: Which van?
Post by: Paul Heath on March 07, 2011, 07:21:24 pm
I have a 3 year old Traffic,SWB its proved to be very reliable,economical and fully loaded still pulls like a train.
I have room for a porty, as hoses are on reels, but only needed it once in the last 2 years !!
Title: Re: Which van?
Post by: gwrightson on March 07, 2011, 07:26:15 pm

dam, I should have gone for a berlingo,  ;)  

you will regret the day you buy a smaller van, believe me ..... i know of 2 c/c with in spitting distance from me who wish they had gone for a larger van ..........  as for the payload .....Negligible

geoff
Title: Re: Which van?
Post by: Mark@Able Stonecare on March 07, 2011, 07:50:14 pm
Just fitted a t/m into a swb Fiat Ducato plenty of room left.
Mark ;)
(http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww172/mjfleet/008640x480.jpg)
(http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww172/mjfleet/069640x480.jpg)
Title: Re: Which van?
Post by: Dave Roelants on March 07, 2011, 07:54:32 pm

dam, I should have gone for a berlingo,  ;)  

you will regret the day you buy a smaller van, believe me ..... i know of 2 c/c with in spitting distance from me who wish they had gone for a larger van ..........  as for the payload .....Negligible

geoff

SWB std roof Sprinter payload 1453KG
LWB High roof Sprinter payload 1056KG
Hardly negligible...

There are many cases of TM owners who have been prosecuted for being overweight, they will fine you for front axle, rear axle and total and the fine will be about £3000, that's the best case scenario, if you're in an accidentyou have no insurance if your vehicle is overweight. My SWB Sprinter will take a Boxxer 427, freshwater tank, Hose reel Dry Fusion machine' RX20 and a Speedster portable, space is not a problem, however with all that on board and a full tank of water it will be overweight so I never carry all that together. Pay careful attention to how the van is laid out and learn from a TM owner who has had several units, after the first two you know what you need
Title: Re: Which van?
Post by: gwrightson on March 07, 2011, 08:35:28 pm
typical mwv  , transit, wv, traffic , Typical Specifications
Load Space Dimensions Length: 2.4m
Width: 1.7m
Height: 1.4m or 1.65m with medium roof
Payload 900-1200kg
Fuel consumption (mpg) 30 - 40mpg
Seats (inc driver)


typical medium  Typical Specifications
Load Space Dimensions Length: 3.4m


Width: 1.7m
Height: 1.7m
Payload 1200-1500kg
Fuel consumption (mpg) 28-35mpg
Seats (inc driver) 3

typical exlwb

Typical Specifications
Load Space Dimensions Length: 4.1m
Width: 1.7m
Height: 1.8m
Payload 1200-1500kg
Fuel consumption (mpg) 22-30mpg
Seats (inc driver

 Geoff
Title: Re: Which van?
Post by: AshWhite on March 07, 2011, 09:16:34 pm
Thanks for all your input guys, you've all made some valid points. I think that given what you've all said, I'm drawn to a decent MWB size van, now I just have to find a bargain!

Thanks again for all your help,

Ash
Title: Re: Which van?
Post by: richy27 on March 07, 2011, 09:36:04 pm
i have mwb  relay l2 h2   great cause can stand up in the back  had  a swb traffic and was too cramped

pics at bottom one pic of the traffic   then one of the relay   
Title: Re: Which van?
Post by: jasonl on March 07, 2011, 09:38:24 pm
From where you are , the vn auctions at Myrthr are your best bet
Title: Re: Which van?
Post by: richy27 on March 07, 2011, 09:39:38 pm
i have mwb  relay l2 h2   great cause can stand up in the back  had  a swb traffic and was too cramped  plus i get an average of 34.5 mpg from relay so not too bad

pics at bottom one pic of the traffic   then one of the relay   
Title: Re: Which van?
Post by: AshWhite on March 07, 2011, 10:03:43 pm
Yeah, I was thinking of going down the Relay/Boxer/Ducato route.  Jason, your right about MMA, they're useless for cars, but good for ex-council vans etc. so I think it's worth a Wednesday night (I think?) visit.

Regards,
Ashley
Title: Re: Which van?
Post by: Tony Gill Carpet Smart on March 07, 2011, 10:30:27 pm
Mark where is the MAN lol


Tony
Title: Re: Which van?
Post by: Mark@Able Stonecare on March 07, 2011, 11:03:02 pm
Errrr she won the argument Tony after a few arguments lol. Still space on the doors though  ;).

Mark
Title: Re: Which van?
Post by: from edge2edge on March 08, 2011, 07:02:45 am
Nice van Mark    Alan
Title: Re: Which van?
Post by: Tony Gill Carpet Smart on March 08, 2011, 07:39:49 am
Alan got Oreck from Dave when I went to show  fantastic condition m8 at a fair price Thanks

Mark sign writing looks good.

Cheers Tony
Title: Re: Which van?
Post by: Mark@Able Stonecare on March 08, 2011, 08:22:00 am
Thanks Alan better than the preview you got twice lol :D.
Tony i still think it would have looked better with the little man but am pleased with how it looks nice and simple...

Mark