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UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: tlwcs on September 28, 2013, 09:15:28 am

Title: Best small van
Post by: tlwcs on September 28, 2013, 09:15:28 am
For water fed.
About to own my Ducato after 5 years trouble free service.
I live local to my work, 34k miles in 5 years, so I'm questioning whether my next van needs to be as big.
So single operator 350 or 400 ltr tank, new or nearly new, what you recommend.
Tony
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: Tom ling on September 28, 2013, 11:28:14 am
I had a combo van, good little thing and had a flat 400L in the back,
had to be careful what else i had in there as with the full tank and fuel and
everything else you have it very close on weight limit.
Iv now got a vw t5 transporter and its good to have some space.
since iv got the new van iv now got a water heater, more poles a trolly system
and a few 25L containers, I would never of got all of that in the combo,
so in my view i think its worth having a slightly bigger van.  ;D
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: gary mcd on September 28, 2013, 11:55:47 am
I've got a transit connect t230 L90 lwb high roof. It has a pay load of 900kg.

I have a 350L tank and can have up to four 25L containers as well. Never had an issue and reckon it could easily hold up to 500L.

Downside, I find it is a bit thirsty. But if your not doing a lot of miles it shouldn't be a issue.

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: DeLuce on September 28, 2013, 12:37:31 pm
I, like Able, have the t230 connect which has the 900kg payload. I have the 500ltr tank upright fitted across the bulkhead. I'm also a sole operation. I love the van, does about 40ish mpg and all my gear fits in neatly. However, if I was to start again I would go for something slightly bigger because space is a luxury and it's easier to have space to play around with than having to cram everything in.
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: tlwcs on September 28, 2013, 12:49:01 pm
Thanks so far.
If I do go smaller, watch me win a massive contract. Sods law will always win.
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: SB Cleaning on September 28, 2013, 01:21:00 pm
Expert-dispatch-scudo
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: Clever Forum Name on September 28, 2013, 01:45:28 pm
My advice is go for a bigger van. Even if it's a mid sized van.

I work from a combo and its a choir some days.

Maybe like a new style dispatch sort of size van.

Saying that vivaro seems quite small compared to a t5 and a transit seems huge.
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: Simon Mess on September 28, 2013, 07:32:59 pm
Payload should be your 1st consideration, even with a 350l tank. The most common payload for a small van is around 600kg, but though in theory, that should work fine, in practice, it would be touch and go!. I have a lwb transit connect with a 900kg payload, but a recent run over a customers weigh bridge gave me a bit of a shock. With a full 500l tank, she was tipping the scales at 2300kg, only 40kg less than my gvw!. And no, I don't carry heaps of other stuff in my van!. So, if you can, go for the higher payload versions of whatever small van you choose.
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: bobplum on September 28, 2013, 07:38:57 pm
vw caddy
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: HampshireWindowCleaning on September 28, 2013, 07:44:21 pm
My Combo does me fine, I get a full days work out of my 350l tank, really good mpg, and my insurance is about £25 a month, can't see the point in going bigger to be honest
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: johnny bravo on September 28, 2013, 09:41:46 pm
ive heard a toyota lite ace       is a great van for reliability.  just right size for your drive also.
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: AuRavelling79 on September 28, 2013, 09:58:04 pm
Fiat Doblo 1.3 diesel 2006-2010. Get a 2006 model (06/56 up to Dec 31st) and it's Euro 4 cheap road tax.

I've had mine from new - it had a 400L and has 735kg payload. Now use it as a second van for guttervac plus a 200L system.
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: Clever Forum Name on September 28, 2013, 10:04:11 pm
with 320/350L in my combo i am a good 150kg away from the payload, but i carry minimal and i have the 785kg payload.
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: Shaun Gill on September 28, 2013, 11:13:38 pm
I have an '09 Peugeot Partner with a 350ltr system and its been great. downsized twice now, from a long wheel base high top Transit to a Renault Trafic, then from the trafic to the partner and wouldn't go back to be honest.
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: JNESTIE on September 28, 2013, 11:38:27 pm
I have a 12plate partner 850 payload with a 400l upright tank and it's great. Getting 47mpg in the Cumbrian hills so not bad at all.
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: G Griffin on September 28, 2013, 11:44:19 pm
I work from a combo and its a choir some days.

I love that sort of versitality from a van. But I bet you can't use it for work on Sundays :-\.
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: CLEANCARE WC on September 29, 2013, 12:20:12 am
I work from a combo and its a choir some days.

I love that sort of versitality from a van. But I bet you can't use it for work on Sundays :-\.

I spotted that one but didnt want to harp on or make a song and dance about it.
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: G Griffin on September 29, 2013, 12:25:56 am
I work from a combo and its a choir some days.

I love that sort of versitality from a van. But I bet you can't use it for work on Sundays :-\.

I spotted that one but didnt want to harp on or make a song and dance about it.

Get hymn  ;D.

He might altar it tomorrow.
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: Ian101 on September 29, 2013, 07:04:22 am
vw caddy

only if your posh and well off otherwise I higly recommend Combo 1.7
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: Clever Forum Name on September 29, 2013, 07:38:02 am
Good old autocorrect for you lol
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: tlwcs on September 29, 2013, 08:47:52 am
ive heard a toyota lite ace       is a great van for reliability.  just right size for your drive also.


Ha ha. The drive is a major consideration as we have two mini's and a golf. Well spotted

Caddy looks good as does the combo.
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: G Griffin on September 29, 2013, 10:58:15 am
Good old autocorrect for you lol

 :)
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: stig on September 29, 2013, 05:26:53 pm
I've a 1.4 petrol citroen belingo,56 from new- 33 to a gallon average.  Ladders on top,10 x containers,trolley, all tools needed plus 16 stone me.....no probs,
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: t8ycs on September 29, 2013, 08:40:13 pm
fiat doblo 1.6 diesel 2013 lwb 1000kg payload
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: dd on September 30, 2013, 08:21:43 am
fiat doblo 1.6 diesel 2013 lwb 1000kg payload
What is the fuel economy like?
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: Scrimble on September 30, 2013, 09:47:23 am
i also have a fiat doblo maxi 1.6, 1000kg payload,

i've previously had a combo, astravan, kangoo, t230 connect and a older doblo, the new doblo maxi is much better all round
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: James chapman on September 30, 2013, 03:46:37 pm
once the berlingo packs up or blows it turbo I am hoping to get one of these maxi doblos. what size tank have you got in there.
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: KS Cleaning on September 30, 2013, 03:56:37 pm
once the berlingo packs up or blows it turbo I am hoping to get one of these maxi doblos. what size tank have you got in there.
Give me a shout when you are thinking of changing, I might sell mine, 2011 doblo maxi 1.6 SX in silver
Title: Re: Best small van
Post by: dmckellar on September 30, 2013, 06:51:39 pm
i have a 12 plate peugeot partner, it carries a 250 litre tank with ease (granted we dont do many miles with the tank as its a once a month job)

great van,  1st van ive really wanted to actually keep longer than a year!