Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Sean Dyer on June 02, 2014, 08:53:01 am

Title: Trailer v van
Post by: Sean Dyer on June 02, 2014, 08:53:01 am
I know this is mostly relative and im not looking for a debate.

I have a vivaro and it's brilliant for work. However I want to get a vehicle I can use for windows and the family.

So I'm looking at having a trailer . I just wondered though if anyone here uses one - is it extra hassle in winter ?? Ie stuff freezing up and what not

I had one before and got rid as I couldn't reverse it but I was only a new driver at the time.

I'm thinking it will be quicker to have a trailer as well as the hose reel can be mounted on top and so set up time at jobs will be rapid?

Only downside is storage and what it will be like driving in winter and if it will be more difficult to stop freezing etc

Cheers
Title: Re: Trailer v van
Post by: Ste b on June 02, 2014, 10:26:31 am
What about a pickup ?
Title: Re: Trailer v van
Post by: The Jester of Wibbly on June 02, 2014, 11:52:45 am

Do you have a garage to store it in?  If so, this will keep it protected from the winter and secure to full up and recharge the battery.  If storing outside, I would be concerned about security.
Title: Re: Trailer v van
Post by: Simon Mess on June 02, 2014, 07:34:27 pm
Don't know what your budget is, but a renault kangoo lwb crew cab has 5 proper seats, low running costs, + enough space and payload for a 350l system.

Title: Re: Trailer v van
Post by: DaveG on June 02, 2014, 08:30:50 pm
What about a box trailer? You could chuck a heater in on cold nights....

Something like this?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brenderup-Cargo-2205-tow-a-van-box-trailer-pop-top-sought-after-model-Yorkshire-/261472861904?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3ce0ff3ed0
Title: Re: Trailer v van
Post by: Susan Dean (1stclean) on June 02, 2014, 08:39:08 pm
just convert your have you have now ??
Title: Re: Trailer v van
Post by: J.D on June 02, 2014, 09:30:55 pm
A double cab pick up is an option.
Title: Re: Trailer v van
Post by: dazmond on June 02, 2014, 11:30:16 pm
I know this is mostly relative and im not looking for a debate.

I have a vivaro and it's brilliant for work. However I want to get a vehicle I can use for windows and the family.

So I'm looking at having a trailer . I just wondered though if anyone here uses one - is it extra hassle in winter ?? Ie stuff freezing up and what not

I had one before and got rid as I couldn't reverse it but I was only a new driver at the time.

I'm thinking it will be quicker to have a trailer as well as the hose reel can be mounted on top and so set up time at jobs will be rapid?

Only downside is storage and what it will be like driving in winter and if it will be more difficult to stop freezing etc

Cheers

i would just buy a separate car for the family sean and keep your van solely for work.easier and less messing about with equipment,filling up etc.

i could imagine a trailer giving you grief mate!
Title: Re: Trailer v van
Post by: capn sparkle on June 02, 2014, 11:35:37 pm
I know this is mostly relative and im not looking for a debate.

I have a vivaro and it's brilliant for work. However I want to get a vehicle I can use for windows and the family.

So I'm looking at having a trailer . I just wondered though if anyone here uses one - is it extra hassle in winter ?? Ie stuff freezing up and what not

I had one before and got rid as I couldn't reverse it but I was only a new driver at the time.

I'm thinking it will be quicker to have a trailer as well as the hose reel can be mounted on top and so set up time at jobs will be rapid?

Only downside is storage and what it will be like driving in winter and if it will be more difficult to stop freezing etc

Cheers


Hi Sean - I just did the exact reverse (dumped the Vectra n 350 ltr trailer got a Vivaro) pros n cons from my experience below....

Cons -
Fuel economy dropped from 42mpg to 30 when full of water

Speed restricted to 60mph on smooth roads (motorway) way less if bumpy A roads, down to 30mph or less if really bad

Reversing (ex lorry driver so didn't bother me) but made everything slower - you end up planning your day around the bloody trailer

Security - i ended up welding a massive chain n padlock to mine (locked to car or post)

Extra costs - New wheels n tyres - You need min 8 ply tyres to carry the weight - most have 6 ply - they will pop off the rim  :'( :'(  ... only once but at the furthest point of my round

Storage - Back seats of car folded down full of the useful kit that's currently in your van (remove and store each time family want to get in)

Pros -

You get to sit in comfort in your car!!

Oh!! Hang on my Vivaro is comfortable (add above to Cons list)

Best wishes
Cap'n


Before n after photos
Title: Re: Trailer v van
Post by: capn sparkle on June 02, 2014, 11:37:36 pm
I know this is mostly relative and im not looking for a debate.

I have a vivaro and it's brilliant for work. However I want to get a vehicle I can use for windows and the family.

So I'm looking at having a trailer . I just wondered though if anyone here uses one - is it extra hassle in winter ?? Ie stuff freezing up and what not

I had one before and got rid as I couldn't reverse it but I was only a new driver at the time.

I'm thinking it will be quicker to have a trailer as well as the hose reel can be mounted on top and so set up time at jobs will be rapid?

Only downside is storage and what it will be like driving in winter and if it will be more difficult to stop freezing etc

Cheers

i would just buy a separate car for the family sean and keep your van solely for work.easier and less messing about with equipment,filling up etc.

i could imagine a trailer giving you grief mate!

In a nutshell!

Wot Dazmond said   ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Trailer v van
Post by: AuRavelling79 on June 03, 2014, 07:32:51 am
just convert your have you have now ??

Nope; cannot compute. Error.
Title: Re: Trailer v van
Post by: Sean Dyer on June 03, 2014, 05:11:34 pm
you guys are right i wont bother, i had a box trailer with heating system etc years ago and got rid as i hated trying to manouvre it..

im being greedy :) i want a nice car for the family ie audi a4 type , and a land rover 90 for me to mess about in and for going camping mtbing etc so was going to tow trailer with that , but i dont think i could aford to insure a van as well , looks like the land rover will have to stay on hold for now, i kind of already knew a trailer would be a pita but was wondering everyone elses experience.

or i need to convince the missus to do the school runs in what is basically another van lol
Title: Re: Trailer v van
Post by: Susan Dean (1stclean) on June 03, 2014, 08:43:49 pm
just convert your have you have now ??

Nope; cannot compute. Error.

rather then buy a trailer , just move the bulk head back to just past the side door , caret and fit seats in the area making it into a car/crew bus the fit a stand up tank in the rear with reels ect ect

the only out lay will be seats and carpets (ebay) then maybe a tank
Title: Re: Trailer v van
Post by: Spruce on June 04, 2014, 08:19:47 am
just convert your have you have now ??

Nope; cannot compute. Error.

rather then buy a trailer , just move the bulk head back to just past the side door , caret and fit seats in the area making it into a car/crew bus the fit a stand up tank in the rear with reels ect ect

the only out lay will be seats and carpets (ebay) then maybe a tank

This is what one of the window cleaners did in our neck of the woods. He used an old LWB Transit medium roof van, panelled off the rear section as you described Susan. If they were travelling any distance, he would drain the tank, otherwise he didn't bother.
Title: Re: Trailer v van
Post by: Richard Neal on June 04, 2014, 12:26:27 pm
I have a transit Lwb high top 6 seater and a 500litre tank with a 2 man set up in the back, works really well.
Title: Re: Trailer v van
Post by: Sean Dyer on June 04, 2014, 12:27:47 pm
Sorry it isnt because i only want one vehicle :)
its because i didnt want 3 vehicles

gonna just stick with the van for now