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Comments
If I was choosing a van I'd probably be looking at Mercedes. They go so well and come in a huge variety of sizes and configurations. They do have a reputation for being susceptible to the old tin worm on certain model years but I think they've sorted this out a while ago.
That said my mechanic swapped his van from a Mitsubishi to a Hyundai a couple of years ago and he's a fussy bugger who won't drive just anything, so read into that what you will.
I would also personally stay away from the Renault/Nissan breed, but again having said that my window cleaner has a very old Renault and it's done over 300k now. He is quite handy with the spanners and has told me horror stories about how awkward they are to work on for even mundane stuff but his is still going strong.
If you don't need a windowless body and solid bulkhead for security and insurance purposes then Viano are a great compromise. Think luxury people carrier but with seats that come out for van like space. Amazing to drive, very comfortable and they shift very well indeed.
There is no 'H' in Aych, you know that don't you? ~ Wife
Turns out there is an H in Haych! ~ Sporky
Bit of trading feedback here.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201911224632164?advertising-location=at_vans
Loading PA equipment into a van you can't stand up in is a right pain in the back. Side doors can help but I always disable mine so they can't be opened externally then park with the rear doors against the wall.
All vans go wrong, it's the cost and ease of maintaining them that's important. Surface rust might look bad but it won't leave you stranded on the side of the motorway. The most important thing is the engine and drivetrain.
Re trailers. Yes they are limited 10mph slower on motorways than vans (60 v 70) but the same (10mph less than cars) on dual carriageways and NSLs.
I agree you shouldn't drive a trailer if you don't know what you're doing but it's perfectly possible to reverse a trailer safely and accurately. Why does stuff inside a van "get a good ride" but not a trailer?
I know the thread is about vans but a trailer is so much less cost and hassle for the desired benefit - ie hauling a load of music kit.
As for reversing, yes, all good if you have the space to do so. I've been in a couple of tight spots where I've taken a wrong turn, hit a dead end and there's not enough physical space to turn the car/trailer around. The only thing left to do then is unhitch and manually turn the trailer around - it's a hassle, especially the one time I was on a hill!
I agree that a trailer is very feasible if on a budget but if the funds are there for a van then that's the route I'd go as well. The other thing to think about is loading/parking space at the venue, if its purpose is shifting stuff to gigs, a van will still have a much smaller footprint than car and trailer, will be easier to park and probably more secure.
Another reason I'd choose a van is that you don't know what's happening inside the trailer. If something comes loose in transit you're unlikely to know about it until you stop and open the trailer up and find damaged stuff where gear has come loose. Even if a van doesn't have an access window in the bulkhead you'd probably hear if something had come loose and was up to no good.
There is no 'H' in Aych, you know that don't you? ~ Wife
Turns out there is an H in Haych! ~ Sporky
Bit of trading feedback here.