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UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Jason Atwell on March 10, 2008, 02:58:40 pm

Title: dual purpose van
Post by: Jason Atwell on March 10, 2008, 02:58:40 pm
Hi, im after some thoughts and hopefully advice?

Currently work out of a car boot, 90% traditional, when i use wfp, its through a di bottle, as we have a decent tds on tap water round here.

What i want is a van, but i cant justyfy a normal van at the moment, as i would then still need to run a car for familly and personal usage.

So iv been looking at what i call dual purpose vans like this fiat doblo!

Does anyone else run a wfp system out the back of one of theses or similar?

Obviously i would be limited on tank size, but not to much of a problem as all my work is in a 4 mile ish radius of my house and i would only be 50 /50 trad/wfp?

Any thoughts and ideas appreciated
thanks jason
Title: Re: dual purpose van
Post by: TVCS on March 10, 2008, 03:15:55 pm
I have a vw transporter.

 Its an ex AA van so it has seats with belts in the back already fitted.    Then I have a 500lt tank and all the other bits and bobs.   
Got it for £4500 on a 52 plate.   
The best van I've driven.   2.5 tdi it is quick and has adjustable rear suspension, which you can inflate at the garage so if you are carrying a full tank you can pump it up a bit, but to be honest you wouldnt raelly notice when it has 500lt in it.

The seats are completely removable without spanners and then you have a full van space to fill.

Ant
TVCS
Title: Re: dual purpose van
Post by: see clear lee on March 10, 2008, 03:54:40 pm
all depends on how many seats you are looking to free up mate , ive a doblo van with two seats with a 400ltr tank as like you all my work is local and its just a case of popping home for a refill if needed , then youve the citroen dispatches with 3 seats aswell as the big vivaros ect
Title: Re: dual purpose van
Post by: Richard Holt on March 10, 2008, 03:56:23 pm
not sure about the doblo's, i've never been in, driven or even known anyone with one.
however, i've had a berlingo for over a year, and i know quite a few people who have the multispace berlingo, which is a similar model to that picture you've posted.
brilliant vans!
couldn't fault my berlingo at all.
i've just traded it in for a bigger van and i'm already having headaches with the new van.
Title: Re: dual purpose van
Post by: lippy on March 10, 2008, 04:07:44 pm
the problem with the doblo you are looking at,is the space
between the back seat and the back door,there is only room
for 250ltrs and a hose reel.so when you need to cary more water
witch you will thru time tou need to fold the seats up then you can carry 400ltrs.
then you cant carry any back seat passengers.
Title: Re: dual purpose van
Post by: Dean Aspects on March 10, 2008, 04:52:25 pm
I have a vw transporter.

 Its an ex AA van so it has seats with belts in the back already fitted.    Then I have a 500lt tank and all the other bits and bobs.   
Got it for £4500 on a 52 plate.   
The best van I've driven.   2.5 tdi it is quick and has adjustable rear suspension, which you can inflate at the garage so if you are carrying a full tank you can pump it up a bit, but to be honest you wouldnt raelly notice when it has 500lt in it.

The seats are completely removable without spanners and then you have a full van space to fill.

Ant
TVCS

TVCS
Do you have any pics as i am looking at the transporter and would like to get one with seats in the rear but was wondering how much room/payload was left
Would you be able to get a 650 ltr tank in?

Dean
Title: Re: dual purpose van
Post by: TVCS on March 10, 2008, 04:56:32 pm
 I went for the 500lt tank as when the seats are in it, my  tank needs to fit between the wheel arches.  the 650 lt tanks were too big.  But I didnt really look into it very much.  So there may be some tanks of that size that would fit.   

My brother has my digital camera at the moment but I'll get some measurments for you.
Title: Re: dual purpose van
Post by: TVCS on March 10, 2008, 05:03:01 pm
there is 1220mm between wheel arches and approx 1300mm from rear of seats to the back doors.     Off the top of my head I aint sure of the dimensions of a 650lt tank but will look at gardiners website.
Title: Re: dual purpose van
Post by: TVCS on March 10, 2008, 05:04:43 pm
standard 650lt tank  H.   1010
                                 W.   575
                                  L.   1250
Title: Re: dual purpose van
Post by: Dean Aspects on March 10, 2008, 05:11:51 pm
Thanks mate

Dean
Title: Re: dual purpose van
Post by: Jason Atwell on March 10, 2008, 07:17:11 pm
the problem with the doblo you are looking at,is the space
between the back seat and the back door,there is only room
for 250ltrs and a hose reel.so when you need to cary more water
witch you will thru time tou need to fold the seats up then you can carry 400ltrs.
then you cant carry any back seat passengers.

250 litres is ample for what i need,

anyone who runs this sort of setup, what do you do about leaks and drips etc, presume sit the set up in a large drip tray which can be emptied, as obviously the backs of these vehicles are carpeted.

Also does anyone have a picture of a set up in the back of one of these combi vans!

cheers jase
Title: Re: dual purpose van
Post by: cvdewsbury on March 10, 2008, 07:34:51 pm
berlingo multispace is ideal until you decide on going fully wfp...why not try one of those 4x4 with the twin cab a little more expense but will be able to carry more weight.
Title: Re: dual purpose van
Post by: Jason Atwell on March 10, 2008, 07:40:26 pm
In the area i am, you would struggle being fully wfp, so i think i will always be partially trad. lots of terraced withh back alleys, alley gates locked gates etc etc
Title: Re: dual purpose van
Post by: Ian W on March 10, 2008, 08:07:30 pm
Trad only at the moment, but just about to venture into wfp.
Use a Berlingo at the moment, which is great. I would recommend one to anyone who wants a small van/car combination.
I wondered how much water you can safely carry in 25 litre containers?
I was also hoping to strap a 125 litre tank into the back using cargo straps. The straps will hold in an accident, but will the cars anchor points?  ???
Title: Re: dual purpose van
Post by: cvdewsbury on March 10, 2008, 08:28:47 pm
all i need to carry is 2 or 3 max 25 ltr containers thats with the trolley empty..so I,m happy with  that, anything more substantial I would need to look at alternatives.
Title: Re: dual purpose van
Post by: macmac on March 10, 2008, 09:44:47 pm
A plus point with the doblo is if you're not vat registered the combi version is no dearer than buying the van once you've added the vat. ;)

Tony