[alanwilson]

all hail slump!

[Lee GLS]

Slumps, if you want to move your business forward and be the best you need a VW Transporter, not some Italian thrown together toy van, you disappoint me, I thought you were better than that. 

I have two vans both a year old now. A medium wheel base transit and a long wheel base scudo as well as a rav 4 car.

Although slump hall has enough room for a couple more vehicles on the drive i do live on an estate, albeit of larger executive style homes.My wife thought it unfair on the neighbours to have another big van such as a ducatto.We settled on the scudo because it was smaller but with a big payload.Inside it is fitted out with state of the art technology that makes it the most efficent and fastest window cleaning machine in the country.There's lot's i don't post on here(3yrs in front stuff), and like you lots of little hints and tricks that i've  pinched off here and squireled away too.

For example it's not just the back of the van, but the cab is a sort of mini office that  can execute admin on the fly.Probably as much thought and design went into this as the system layout.When i get stuck i post on here and either someone will tell me or there will be some kind of row that will stimulate me into solving the problem myself.A lot of the stuff is detailed and probably obsessive.If i ever took it to the cleaning show car park and left the door open i think there could be a mini riot.The suppliers would have the pads out scribbling down the ideas and the window cleaners would be walking round the stands inside thinking, this is the afterbirth, the baby's outside.It has been pointed out to me that more money could be made with two vans of a bog standard design, and why waste money on making the job easier and pleasanter for a helper.I haven't got a really good answer to that. I must be all heart.

I do like your way with words slumps, can't your get a stand at the cleaning show, have your van there and sell your ideas. 

[TomCrowther]

I like your style Slumps. If I had the brains, energy and skill, I would attempt to improve the way I do the job more than I do. I do want to make the right decisions when replacing my van/system though which is why I am interested in your set up.
Do you think buying a new van is cheaper in the long run than opting for a seconhand one? I can't decide which is best.

[Clive McDonald]

New van?
Don't know i've done both.

Bought a ducato for 2k owned it seven years spent 5k on new engine and gearbox before scrapping it.Got tired of fixing it and chasing mechanics.

Next van ducato brand new 11k.Owned for nine years no money spent sold for 1k with 35 k on the clock.

Next van when i started wc s/hand scudo 8k 3yrs old. No problems, changed because i wanted a bigger payload.

I'm useless at buying and selling vans and have no interest.I have tried on the internet but it's a lot of driving about to look at junk.

New vans do allow you to get on with your business, not even an mot for three years.They also make you feel good about your work which i think is also important.There are enought things stopping you going out the door as it is without negative feelings towards your vehicle.

Most decisions feel like big ones at the time, but when you look back they were details, and you would have done well no matter which you had chosen.

[TomCrowther]

Cheers. If I can get a good deal on a new van then that i think that will make life easier. My van runs OK but when anything does go, it's time not working and £300 minimum {exhaust/drive shafts etc}. I have another 30k leaflets out next week by the way, so if it brings a good response, I will bring the purchase of a new van forwards.
When you say you have the tank fitted on a skid, how does that help and can you recommend an installer?

[windowswashed]

I've had a scudo and thought about getting a second one, but ended up getting a VW T5 instead.....wise decision, ....they're really good vans until you get the snow, when a 4x4 version would have been favourable

[mattflashmatt]

ive got a dispatch. just thought ide let u all know works ok but would love a vw. ide like a vm camper with a slim line water tank fitted to the floor so i could go camping at the weekend