Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: jonboywalton75 on June 16, 2021, 07:07:59 am
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Looking to wind down in next couple of years as a sole trader, view to retire or just keep best work for pension top up.
I have a Transit Custom worth possibly 8000 ish
Looking to go for 500 ltr DIY system instead of my current 650
Will spend up to £6000 on used van.
Any suggestions
2 seater req just for windows nothing else
Might go as light as 350 ltr system
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Looking to wind down in next couple of years as a sole trader, view to retire or just keep best work for pension top up.
I have a Transit Custom worth possibly 8000 ish
Looking to go for 500 ltr DIY system instead of my current 650
Will spend up to £6000 on used van.
Any suggestions
2 seater req just for windows nothing else
Might go as light as 350 ltr system
Only you can make that decision.
Personally, I would hate to be looking for a good used van atm. They are mostly very expensive for the year and mileage.
If I were making that decision with my current situation, I would stick with what I have. I would just fill my 650 litre tank with less water. Fuel costs will be a little more with your bigger van but with less weight won't be subject to the same wear and tear a smaller van will working on its payload limit.
Your road fund licence will cost the same. Insurance might be a little more on the Custom but at least you know what you have got. You never know what hidden repair 'gems' await you with a 'new' vehicle.
I purchased my current Peugeot Boxer with 89k on the clock. It was in immaculate condition with full Peugeot service history. Unfortunately, its cost me money these past 3 years. 5 new tyres, new alternator, new windscreen wiper motor assembly and a new intercooler pipe. I also replaced the sump and the oil pump as a precaution. Had I had a garage do the jobs those repairs could have cost around £2500 which would be about 30% of what I paid for the van.
The engine is a Ford Puma engine which is timing chain driven. Ford Transits also use the same engine and timing chain failures seem to begin at around 130k. They want around £800 to change that chain. Spares cost around £250, so I will save some money and do the job myself, (if I'm still able.)
I'm claiming a pension as I'm nearly 70. I haven't paid into the UK pension scheme long enough to claim a full pension. So I have to carry on working to supplement my pension. At least I can still do this with wash and reach.
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Looking to wind down in next couple of years as a sole trader, view to retire or just keep best work for pension top up.
I have a Transit Custom worth possibly 8000 ish
Looking to go for 500 ltr DIY system instead of my current 650
Will spend up to £6000 on used van.
Any suggestions
2 seater req just for windows nothing else
Might go as light as 350 ltr system
im very happy with my connect L2 240 limited.....plenty of room for a 500l tank.......lowish roof for getting ladders off when needed,easy to park too....
i think a 350l tank will be too small personally,dont forget you cant totally drain the tank every day or you ll end up with airlocks all the time....
i only work part time too mate and use most of my 500l tank in 5 hours work most days....
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Looking to wind down in next couple of years as a sole trader, view to retire or just keep best work for pension top up.
I have a Transit Custom worth possibly 8000 ish
Looking to go for 500 ltr DIY system instead of my current 650
Will spend up to £6000 on used van.
Any suggestions
2 seater req just for windows nothing else
Might go as light as 350 ltr system
im very happy with my connect L2 240 limited.....plenty of room for a 500l tank.......lowish roof for getting ladders off when needed,easy to park too....
i think a 350l tank will be too small personally,dont forget you cant totally drain the tank every day or you ll end up with airlocks all the time....
i only work part time too mate and use most of my 500l tank in 5 hours work most days....
I don't believe O/P is going to find a good used Connect the same as yours for £6000. He will find an older model one, but most earlier models have succumbed to rust, at least up in the north east. Those that haven't are on their way. The scrap yards here are full of MOT failures as the earlier ones from 53 plate weren't galvanized.
The other thing Daz is that working manually around pensionable age isn't easy. You don't achieve the same work rate as you do when you are younger and fitter like you are, and hence you use less water. I'm knackered after 6 or 8 house cleans.
That's old age. Its frustrating, but it's the way it is.
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Looking to wind down in next couple of years as a sole trader, view to retire or just keep best work for pension top up.
I have a Transit Custom worth possibly 8000 ish
Looking to go for 500 ltr DIY system instead of my current 650
Will spend up to £6000 on used van.
Any suggestions
2 seater req just for windows nothing else
Might go as light as 350 ltr system
im very happy with my connect L2 240 limited.....plenty of room for a 500l tank.......lowish roof for getting ladders off when needed,easy to park too....
i think a 350l tank will be too small personally,dont forget you cant totally drain the tank every day or you ll end up with airlocks all the time....
i only work part time too mate and use most of my 500l tank in 5 hours work most days....
Good point Daz
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Looking to wind down in next couple of years as a sole trader, view to retire or just keep best work for pension top up.
I have a Transit Custom worth possibly 8000 ish
Looking to go for 500 ltr DIY system instead of my current 650
Will spend up to £6000 on used van.
Any suggestions
2 seater req just for windows nothing else
Might go as light as 350 ltr system
Only you can make that decision.
Personally, I would hate to be looking for a good used van atm. They are mostly very expensive for the year and mileage.
If I were making that decision with my current situation, I would stick with what I have. I would just fill my 650 litre tank with less water. Fuel costs will be a little more with your bigger van but with less weight won't be subject to the same wear and tear a smaller van will working on its payload limit.
Your road fund licence will cost the same. Insurance might be a little more on the Custom but at least you know what you have got. You never know what hidden repair 'gems' await you with a 'new' vehicle.
I purchased my current Peugeot Boxer with 89k on the clock. It was in immaculate condition with full Peugeot service history. Unfortunately, its cost me money these past 3 years. 5 new tyres, new alternator, new windscreen wiper motor assembly and a new intercooler pipe. I also replaced the sump and the oil pump as a precaution. Had I had a garage do the jobs those repairs could have cost around £2500 which would be about 30% of what I paid for the van.
The engine is a Ford Puma engine which is timing chain driven. Ford Transits also use the same engine and timing chain failures seem to begin at around 130k. They want around £800 to change that chain. Spares cost around £250, so I will save some money and do the job myself, (if I'm still able.)
I'm claiming a pension as I'm nearly 70. I haven't paid into the UK pension scheme long enough to claim a full pension. So I have to carry on working to supplement my pension. At least I can still do this with wash and reach.
I've decided i want a smaller van and I'm sticking to that, cheers anyway Spruce
Horses for courses 😁
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Looking to wind down in next couple of years as a sole trader, view to retire or just keep best work for pension top up.
I have a Transit Custom worth possibly 8000 ish
Looking to go for 500 ltr DIY system instead of my current 650
Will spend up to £6000 on used van.
Any suggestions
2 seater req just for windows nothing else
Might go as light as 350 ltr system
im very happy with my connect L2 240 limited.....plenty of room for a 500l tank.......lowish roof for getting ladders off when needed,easy to park too....
i think a 350l tank will be too small personally,dont forget you cant totally drain the tank every day or you ll end up with airlocks all the time....
i only work part time too mate and use most of my 500l tank in 5 hours work most days....
I don't believe O/P is going to find a good used Connect the same as yours for £6000. He will find an older model one, but most earlier models have succumbed to rust, at least up in the north east. Those that haven't are on their way. The scrap yards here are full of MOT failures as the earlier ones from 53 plate weren't galvanized.
The other thing Daz is that working manually around pensionable age isn't easy. You don't achieve the same work rate as you do when you are younger and fitter like you are, and hence you use less water. I'm knackered after 6 or 8 house cleans.
That's old age. Its frustrating, but it's the way it is.
Age brings experience Spruce, cheers
Daz thinks he'll be superman at our age 😂
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My son just bought a nice Peugeot Partner, so I'm thinking along those lines
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Maybe Doblo, combo expert etc
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I'm a few years behind you John Boy and thinking ahead. Can I ask why you are set on a smaller van?
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Looking to wind down in next couple of years as a sole trader, view to retire or just keep best work for pension top up.
I have a Transit Custom worth possibly 8000 ish
Looking to go for 500 ltr DIY system instead of my current 650
Will spend up to £6000 on used van.
Any suggestions
2 seater req just for windows nothing else
Might go as light as 350 ltr system
Only you can make that decision.
Personally, I would hate to be looking for a good used van atm. They are mostly very expensive for the year and mileage.
If I were making that decision with my current situation, I would stick with what I have. I would just fill my 650 litre tank with less water. Fuel costs will be a little more with your bigger van but with less weight won't be subject to the same wear and tear a smaller van will working on its payload limit.
Your road fund licence will cost the same. Insurance might be a little more on the Custom but at least you know what you have got. You never know what hidden repair 'gems' await you with a 'new' vehicle.
I purchased my current Peugeot Boxer with 89k on the clock. It was in immaculate condition with full Peugeot service history. Unfortunately, its cost me money these past 3 years. 5 new tyres, new alternator, new windscreen wiper motor assembly and a new intercooler pipe. I also replaced the sump and the oil pump as a precaution. Had I had a garage do the jobs those repairs could have cost around £2500 which would be about 30% of what I paid for the van.
The engine is a Ford Puma engine which is timing chain driven. Ford Transits also use the same engine and timing chain failures seem to begin at around 130k. They want around £800 to change that chain. Spares cost around £250, so I will save some money and do the job myself, (if I'm still able.)
I'm claiming a pension as I'm nearly 70. I haven't paid into the UK pension scheme long enough to claim a full pension. So I have to carry on working to supplement my pension. At least I can still do this with wash and reach.
May spend a couple of grand more then spruce
Something maybe around 60000 miles on the clock
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I'm a few years behind you John Boy and thinking ahead. Can I ask why you are set on a smaller van?
Stress parking and driving a bigger van, Transit is too fast for me, i can't help but drive quickly in the tranny
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I find it hard to look into the future too much these days with what’s gone on last 18 months,nice holidays and fast cars for me the van can stay until it stops doing it’s job.
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Future for me is next 18 months nice hols in there as well hopefully 😁
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Life’s to short to be planning things years and years down the line enjoy while you can no ones got it nailed on to get to any sort of retirement age,the amount of people I know that are retired minted and either can’t be bothered to enjoy it through lack of energy or are incapacitated is unreal.
Think of the future yes I agree leave yourself skint or do without things because of it no thanks I’ll take my chances.
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And all those people have said the same thing do it while you can when you get to 65-70 you just don’t want to do the things you thought you would when you retire and have excess cash,I don’t want to be hanging around airports I don’t want 12-15 hour flights we can’t do it now I’ve heard it all from 90% of em the most they want to do is prune the roses go out for a coffee and back in time for tipping point,what’s a bank full of money gonna do for you then,kids hanging around holding a mirror over you’re face while you sleep to see if your still breathing that’s the truth of it 🤣🤣
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Berlingo and 400/450 litre system. It’s what I use and does me perfectly. Can’t comment on price of vans etc as I lease and am happy to continue doing so.
450 litres does me working 6 to 8 hours max a day but I’m very rarely on houses all day, mostly commercial.
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Mate of mine bought an ex British Gas VW Caddy. He's had it years and loves it. Never a problem.
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Mate of mine bought an ex British Gas VW Caddy. He's had it years and loves it. Never a problem.
The caddy’s are nice vans, but lack payload only around 650kg in newer models. And the 1.6tdi’s have a fairly common injector problem.
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And all those people have said the same thing do it while you can when you get to 65-70 you just don’t want to do the things you thought you would when you retire and have excess cash,I don’t want to be hanging around airports I don’t want 12-15 hour flights we can’t do it now I’ve heard it all from 90% of em the most they want to do is prune the roses go out for a coffee and back in time for tipping point,what’s a bank full of money gonna do for you then,kids hanging around holding a mirror over you’re face while you sleep to see if your still breathing that’s the truth of it 🤣🤣
me and the missus met a sheffield couple in mexico a few years ago.....she was on the dancefloor every night and she was 93!he celebrated his 90th birthday while he was there.....
my mums 73 and crippled with rheumatoid arthritis,still drives and goes abroad every chance she gets........ ;D
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Rheumatoid arthritis runs in families Daz.
You’ll be in a wheelchair by the time your 65.
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Rheumatoid arthritis runs in families Daz.
You’ll be in a wheelchair by the time your 65.
my mum started with it at 40 years of age,im nearly 50 and arthritis free.......her mum was fine but her sister had it bad from age 21....
most men dont get it...most of the time its women..... :)
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Thats what I mean, you'll end up in a wheelchair ;D ;D
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Looking to wind down in next couple of years as a sole trader, view to retire or just keep best work for pension top up.
I have a Transit Custom worth possibly 8000 ish
Looking to go for 500 ltr DIY system instead of my current 650
Will spend up to £6000 on used van.
Any suggestions
2 seater req just for windows nothing else
Might go as light as 350 ltr system
im very happy with my connect L2 240 limited.....plenty of room for a 500l tank.......lowish roof for getting ladders off when needed,easy to park too....
i think a 350l tank will be too small personally,dont forget you cant totally drain the tank every day or you ll end up with airlocks all the time....
i only work part time too mate and use most of my 500l tank in 5 hours work most days....
I don't believe O/P is going to find a good used Connect the same as yours for £6000. He will find an older model one, but most earlier models have succumbed to rust, at least up in the north east. Those that haven't are on their way. The scrap yards here are full of MOT failures as the earlier ones from 53 plate weren't galvanized.
The other thing Daz is that working manually around pensionable age isn't easy. You don't achieve the same work rate as you do when you are younger and fitter like you are, and hence you use less water. I'm knackered after 6 or 8 house cleans.
That's old age. Its frustrating, but it's the way it is.
Age brings experience Spruce, cheers
Daz thinks he'll be superman at our age 😂
I also thought that at one time. ;D
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My son just bought a nice Peugeot Partner, so I'm thinking along those lines
The payload on the older partner /berlingo goes up to 850kg. The newer model goes up to 1000kg, so either should take a 500l tank.
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Yeah drive one with 500ltrs in it then and add a passenger it’ll be like a day out at Thorpe Park 🤣🤣🤣
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That’s a 300-350ltr van.
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That’s a 300-350ltr van.
NWH - the only guy who can post twice and give three opinions. ;D
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I had a Ford Connect LWB with 500ltrs it was too much for it the only time it felt like it was coping was when it got to about 12-1 o’clock when I’d used about a 1/3rd of the water,put that in a small van it’ll eat tyres and wear brake pads like a formula 1 car.
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I have 2 partner vans, one has 350L the other has a 400L, both drive well when full but only ever have 1 person in them while in work.
No way would I load up a 500L in these smaller vans.
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It’s like putting 800ltrs in a SWB transit or SWB transporter they go in yeah no problem but when full it’s too much weight in reality until you’ve done a few hours work.
I had to update the springs on my van so it’s sits even when I’m full with water,payloads are a guide if you are on max payload day after day you’ll kill tyres and brakes as well as anti roll bars links etc,every MOT I had with the connect it had suspension issues and alignment.
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Personally I would stick with what you've got ,better the devil you know
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I had a Ford Connect LWB with 500ltrs it was too much for it the only time it felt like it was coping was when it got to about 12-1 o’clock when I’d used about a 1/3rd of the water,put that in a small van it’ll eat tyres and wear brake pads like a formula 1 car.
ive had my connect for 4 and a half years and its fine...i changed the front tyres last year(back ones are fine),brakes pads still the original from the factory.....ive only done 15k miles from new though
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I've spent £800 on tyres in 60000 miles on my tranny
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Front tyres on my dispatch last 40k plus. Rear tyres last even longer. I always buy Michelin.
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You boys want to try driving outside the postcode you live in to work.
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You boys want to try driving outside the postcode you live in to work.
I fail to see the virtue in driving hundreds of miles around the countryside every week. I suppose the issues around climate change just pass you by.
I doubt you earn significantly more than someone like Daz who just does local work, without all the extra overheads you incur with your high mileage meandering around the countryside.
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You boys want to try driving outside the postcode you live in to work.
i do......the affluent area i have most of my work is a 5 mile drive from where i live!
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You’ll be doing more than 250-300 a day then Daz
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You boys want to try driving outside the postcode you live in to work.
I fail to see the virtue in driving hundreds of miles around the countryside every week. I suppose the issues around climate change just pass you by.
I doubt you earn significantly more than someone like Daz who just does local work, without all the extra overheads you incur with your high mileage meandering around the countryside.
Plenty of virtue in driving around Cheshire
One of the richest areas in the UK
Some great well paying jobs in beautiful countryside make a very pleasant working experience
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Also it turns out my custom was worth a lot more than I thought as Josh points out on another thread
Bought a nice 2017 transit Connect as a small van to wind down my last days of window cleaning with, however many that maybe 😂😂
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I'm a few years behind you John Boy and thinking ahead. Can I ask why you are set on a smaller van?
Stress parking and driving a bigger van, Transit is too fast for me, i can't help but drive quickly in the tranny
In that regard I've just been done £100 going through a red light, i need to slow down totally
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Also I paid 10600 for the connect, but got lots more than expected for my custom
Swings and roundabouts eh
Also I don't consider what Dazmond does as part time
I've been working a three day week since 50 yrs of age
I'm on 2 now
When I reach 66, I plan on doing about 8 hrs a month
Now that's part time 😂😂
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I'm a few years behind you John Boy and thinking ahead. Can I ask why you are set on a smaller van?
Stress parking and driving a bigger van, Transit is too fast for me, i can't help but drive quickly in the tranny
If you are winding down then why not get rid of any work that stresses you, parking or other, if you got rid of your reliable van and ended up with an unreliable money pit how stressed would that make you ? it could happen especially with a small budget.
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I am selling loads of my stress work and keeping high earning Comercial at silly money prices
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I am selling loads of my stress work and keeping high earning Comercial at silly money prices
What’s the work you are selling?
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I am selling loads of my stress work and keeping high earning Comercial at silly money prices
What’s the work you are selling?
It'll be domestic houses and stuff
I earn £50- 60 an hour on it
Runcorn, Frodsham and surrounds
But I'm quick even at 64
Gonna be selling stuff over the next couple of years to gradually wind down
Looking for 6 times monthly value
I'll keep you updated if you like
Was gonna put it in the rounds for sale section gradually
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It's stressful for me as I have a hernia, arthritis etc
And I'm old 🙄🙄
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Yes keep me in the loop please mate.
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Will do deeege
In fact my mobile is
07816294334
Also we'll have to do that Window cleaning breakfast with Dave from Altrincham we've been on about
Lymm seems to be a favourite of Daves and mine
Luv to see Dazmond come as well and we could all take the Mik out of him 😂😂