This was mentioned some where here before. For some guys this is like driving a toy. But for those who work in city’s this could be a viable option.
http://www.news.com/2300-11389_3-6234880-1.html?tag=ne.gall.pg
This was mentioned some where here before. For some guys this is like driving a toy. But for those who work in city’s this could be a viable option.
http://www.news.com/2300-11389_3-6234880-1.html?tag=ne.gall.pg
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Replies
I think Chevy and Dodge are working on similar models based on their
"mini SUV's".
That would be a very nice option for me, better without the side glass. Big side doors and rear hatch make everything accessible.
Wonder why we don't hear more about using older minivans for tool/crew carriers. Maybe it's because they're referred to as "mommy vans".
Now that you brought it up I'm gonna look for a used "mommy van" on http://www.autotrader.com .
I agree. The less tools visible the better and it looks big enough that you could certainly customize it shelving wise to meet your needs. Ladder would be the only problem I can see.
Gary
FWIW, I found a bunch of ten year old Toyota Previas and Siennas nearby, on http://www.autotrader.com , with around 100K miles for under $5K. Just food for thought.
My work van is an old ambulance. Couldn't ask for anything any better. Insulated, paneled, extended cap 5' 7" inside height, interior lighting, back is heated and airconditioned. Only prob is the age 1985 so I'm having to put some $ into it. As I get older I'm scaling back on the amount of work so a smaller new one interests me.
I bet you can get thru traffic quick.;-)
And you probably have the best first aid kit on the job.
Get one of these for it.http://www.adriansteel.com/index.php?branch=store&view=view_product&id=399
What a slick outfit. Problem with me is the extended top. I still need a ladder to get the ladder. From ground to top of van is 93". I'm 5'7
Gary
around here--- a lot of the Sat. TV and cable TV installs are subbed out to guys in Battered, unmarked older Multi colored mini vans.
stephen
It's on ford's commercial website http://www.fordvehicles.com/transitconnect/
-D
During the 60's I owned several VW Kombi vans. They were pretty cool for that time but not nearly as comfortable or as well engineered as any modern minivan.
Of course if VW vans had been loved and accepted by mothers, like the station wagons of that time, they'd have been rejected by most males too. ;-)
what is a VW Kombi Van---
is that like the VW bus?
my first car was a 1971VW microbus--man i wish I still had that thingMy high school girlfreind and I would... well you get the picture
I still have the girlfriend---we have been married and/or together about 30 years now---should have never got rid of the bus though, LOLStephen
what is a VW Kombi Van---is that like the VW bus?my first car was a 1971VW microbus--man i wish I still had that thing
That's what VW called the basic van with windows, removeable back seats but no headliner, door panels or floor covering.
If you really want one they're still around http://www.autotrader.com but I doubt that it would be all that you remember. I have similar good memories of many miles and some grand adventures in mine but I also remember how quickly those air cooled engines wore out.
I'd opt for a used Toyota Sienna as a work/travel van, even if I had to put up with an automatic trans. Big sliding side doors, both sides, big hatch in the rear. Very quiet and comfortable on the road, decent gas mileage...reportedly 25mpg hiway with a V6.
Looks like 80% of the vehicles the trades use in Europe. Usually seen in a blur as they go bombing past on a single lane cobblestone street at a scary speed.
Reinvent,
What do want to know about it? It would likely work great for some guys who don't need alot of tools or materials. It would work poorly for others (such as myself) who need to carry a wide variety of tools and materials.
I think it is good that manufacturers are thinking about contractors for once in a great while. I think the american release of the Sprinter was the last time they thought of us. I know they don't think of contractors when they make PU trucks and nobody put alot of thought into my van considering it's super low level of comfort options. Unfortunatly, the opinion of the soccer mom seems to mean more to the car manufacturers than that of the tradesman.
The squeaky wheel gets the lube.
gk
The problem with the mommy vans is the front wheel drive and light duty coil spring suspension; they just will not stand up. Another major problem is the terrible service record of Chrysler mini van transmissions. These are a few reasons tradesmen were so sad to see the Chevy Astro go out of production. Several years ago I had access to retired ex-cable tv Astro vans; ladder racks, inside partitions, bins, boxes, etc. Just outside of NYC, I could sell all I could get. And they were parkway legal.