[g.brookes]

Evening chaps.  The cars not quite cutting it anymore and decided I need a commercial vehicle.  I really hate the idea of drivin round in one of those little combo type vans so was wondering which of you drive a pick up truck (navarra, warrior etc) type vehicles for wfp.  Are they practical compared to a van?  do they cost a lot more in mot, insurance, fuel etc?
I'd much prefer to drive a closed back pickup truck type vehicle but not if it costs a lot more than a bog standard van.
p.s if you do have a pick up truck, how large a tank can you fit? and do your poles fit ok?
cheers

[Wc Solutions]

pick ups look good but a van is nearly a must really for carrying all the bits n bobs

[AC Window Cleaning]

If your a redneck then yes by all means get a pickup lol
Ive never understood the whole pickuop thing.
A van is miles better,cheaper to run,insure and tax.Its a no brainer really!

[EandM]

If your a redneck then yes by all means get a pickup lol
Ive never understood the whole pickuop thing.
A van is miles better,cheaper to run,insure and tax.Its a no brainer really!

Don't really get your logic I'm afraid. Pickups are available in all shapes and sizes. Small ones cost no more to run than an equivalent van. Vans are not designed to get their load bays wet - pickups are which makes them ideal for WFP. Pickups generally have a longer life expectancy and are built rather more substantially. Most Pickups are rated to carry at least a ton, most vans are not. Tax is generally the same as commercials tend to run on a flat rate, mot costs the same and insurance works out about the same as well. Pickups can be heavier on fuel but it depends if you have a 2 or 4 wheel drive. 4 wheel drive pickups will work in the snow, vans usually won't. Pickups are often less complicated mechanically (2wd) as their technology is often simpler, older and more reliable. Pickups can seat up to five people, most vans can't. Larger vans with a gross vehicle weight of 2.4 tonnes are subject to a 50 mph speed limit on A roads, most pickups being multi role vehicles are not. The Transit outsold the Ranger about 7:1 yet 10 year old Transits are mostly rotten and scrapped and 10 year old Rangers are mostly still being driven. Clearly a no brainer 

[AC Window Cleaning]

Fair one,i always presumed they were dearer to run.Everydays a learning day! lol

[Rayleigh Window Cleaning Services]

Good to a point, but what if you want to carry 1000L of water?

[EandM]

No worries  . I think people see things like the Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navarra and conclude that they are all enormus great things that do about 10mpg. Most 1 ton pickups manage 25mpg at worst and some can crack 40mpg when driven sympathetically. Navarra engines have a habit of blowing up at 40,000 so it can get a bit expensive!

[EandM]

Good to a point, but what if you want to carry 1000L of water?

Get a lorry 

[Rayleigh Window Cleaning Services]

I just got rid of a double cab ranger last year, had it from new 10 years old, couldn't fault it, just not enough space for everything i need to carry.

[EandM]

I just got rid of a double cab ranger last year, had it from new 10 years old, couldn't fault it, just not enough space for everything i need to carry.

I was looking at a super cab Ranger for the same reason. Gains about another foot in load bay length and a 400l flat tankwill fit fine.
Suit me down to the ground but can see that it would be too small for some apps though.

[GB Window Cleaning]

Good to a point, but what if you want to carry 1000L of water?

Get a lorry 

i want a crop sprayer! i'll drive down a street and blast the houses with pure water and make a mint! 

or even better a crop spraying plane!  "ive got a lock on number 20's windows, engage, engage, engage!!!

[SherwoodCleaningSe]

I've got a ranger crew cab with 650 tank in and a 2 man setup all under a truckman top. I can even fit my poles in the loading bay if I take the brushes off which is easy as they are quick release.  Pick ups are thirsty, expensive to insure wfp, there is only about one company that does them and inconvenient with the limited space. However it has worked well for me and I've been able to work in the harshest of winters that we get.  If your thinking of using the pickup for the family as well, I'd think other wise as they are just too thirsty for every day use.

Simon.

[EandM]

I've got a ranger crew cab with 650 tank in and a 2 man setup all under a truckman top. I can even fit my poles in the loading bay if I take the brushes off which is easy as they are quick release.  Pick ups are thirsty, expensive to insure wfp, there is only about one company that does them and inconvenient with the limited space. However it has worked well for me and I've been able to work in the harshest of winters that we get.  If your thinking of using the pickup for the family as well, I'd think other wise as they are just too thirsty for every day use.

Simon.

Have you got a pre or post 2006 Ranger Simon?

[Londoner]

In country areas they may be OK but round here they have a bit of an image problem. Due mainly to the sort of people that drive them. All bling and gelled hair types or pikeys. I shall say no more than that for fear of upsetting someone.

[SherwoodCleaningSe]

I've got a ranger crew cab with 650 tank in and a 2 man setup all under a truckman top. I can even fit my poles in the loading bay if I take the brushes off which is easy as they are quick release.  Pick ups are thirsty, expensive to insure wfp, there is only about one company that does them and inconvenient with the limited space. However it has worked well for me and I've been able to work in the harshest of winters that we get.  If your thinking of using the pickup for the family as well, I'd think other wise as they are just too thirsty for every day use.

Simon.

Have you got a pre or post 2006 Ranger Simon?

It's a year 2000, so 11 years old but still as strong as ever.

[Mike #1]

most pickups do about 25-30 mpg around the doors if you can afford the fuel bill mate then its up to you , i use a PF trolley with  10 containers and drive a 5 door suzuki grand vitara 1.9 ddis and i get 36 mpg around the doors stopping and starting all day really good work horse  ,    it does 45 -50 mpg on the motor way . the older nissan x-trail is good motor the seats fold flat which will give you ample room in the back and work as family car at weekends