What van to buy?

[eddyl3000]

Hi, looking to buy my first proper van,
Don't need something massive as we work from barrels at the moment but something with enough room to put a system in also when the time comes

I like the look of citroen berlingo enterprises so seeing if anyone has any knowledge on them and also just what van you guys might reccomend

Budget is around 3-4k at the moment or if I'm financing it don't mind paying a bit spending a bit more

Thanks

 

[ched999uk]

Personally I would get the biggest payload you can. That way you have flexibility to fit what ever tank and frame you need.
I have the newer shape Partner/Berlingo/Combo with a payload of about 1000kg with a 400lts tank in. I also have a Pure Freedom elec reel and a panther gutter vac and some small racking on the side. That pretty much fills the van, although I can squeeze my little Atom geny in when necessary.

Personally I think most vans have a similar level of issues these days.

Try and think about long term, do you think you might expand into gutter clearing or pressure washing. If so consider a medium size van.

I assume you know that the older Citroen Berlingo's are the same as the Peugeot Partners? The older Vauxhall Combo's are the same as the Fiat Doblo - some of these have 1000kg payload but others 800kg which still isn't too bad.

 

[Deleted member 7446]

Hi, looking to buy my first proper van,
Don't need something massive as we work from barrels at the moment but something with enough room to put a system in also when the time comes

I like the look of citroen berlingo enterprises so seeing if anyone has any knowledge on them and also just what van you guys might reccomend

Budget is around 3-4k at the moment or if I'm financing it don't mind paying a bit spending a bit more

Thanks

I'd look at your business start up and evaluate your structure, services available, itinerary of potential equipment, production and storage of water plus any additional static storage for tools etc

Once you've figured that out you'll have a rough idea of what size van you'll need.

Don't buy the smallest and the cheapest as it will be too small and most likely breakdown when you depend on it most.

I had a local young lad who's starting up ask me last week about vans and I questioned his licence and he wasn't able to drive one with the entitlements he had
Be sure you're able to drive a van is a question the younger generation are missing

If I was starting up again for the first time I wouldn't of brought a Berlingo and would of got a renault trafic or last of the older shape transits space is money

 

[eddyl3000]

Personally I would get the biggest payload you can. That way you have flexibility to fit what ever tank and frame you need.
I have the newer shape Partner/Berlingo/Combo with a payload of about 1000kg with a 400lts tank in. I also have a Pure Freedom elec reel and a panther gutter vac and some small racking on the side. That pretty much fills the van, although I can squeeze my little Atom geny in when necessary.

Personally I think most vans have a similar level of issues these days.

Try and think about long term, do you think you might expand into gutter clearing or pressure washing. If so consider a medium size van.

I assume you know that the older Citroen Berlingo's are the same as the Peugeot Partners? The older Vauxhall Combo's are the same as the Fiat Doblo - some of these have 1000kg payload but others 800kg which still isn't too bad.

Already got a older berlingo at the moment, can fit 300ltr water in and the gutter vac (at a squeeze)

Think a medium size van would probably be best

Thinking of the van lasting at least 3 years before possibly upgrading to bigger if needed then

 

[eddyl3000]

I'd look at your business start up and evaluate your structure, services available, itinerary of potential equipment, production and storage of water plus any additional static storage for tools etc

Once you've figured that out you'll have a rough idea of what size van you'll need.

Don't buy the smallest and the cheapest as it will be too small and most likely breakdown when you depend on it most.

I had a local young lad who's starting up ask me last week about vans and I questioned his licence and he wasn't able to drive one with the entitlements he had
Be sure you're able to drive a van is a question the younger generation are missing

If I was starting up again for the first time I wouldn't of brought a Berlingo and would of got a renault trafic or last of the older shape transits space is money

Thanks I'll give this some thought, important to not just think a year ahead but 3-5 years ahead, if I wanted to introduce different services etc, thanks

 

[barzztee]

Hi, looking to buy my first proper van,
Don't need something massive as we work from barrels at the moment but something with enough room to put a system in also when the time comes

I like the look of citroen berlingo enterprises so seeing if anyone has any knowledge on them and also just what van you guys might reccomend

Budget is around 3-4k at the moment or if I'm financing it don't mind paying a bit spending a bit more

Thanks

I have a van for sale. Contact me for more details

 

[DeLaCruz]

recommendations for medium or small lwb vans with high payload ? looking for van mount pressure washer + boiler and room for some clutter aswell - struggling, i would like a custom but they kinda suck for payload, open to recommendations Tia

 

[Part Timer]

I bought a LWB Peugeot Partner for my Gutter Vac business and it's fairly roomy. @ched999uk has one with a fitted WFP System so he could probably advise better

 

[Pjj]

recommendations for medium or small lwb vans with high payload ? looking for van mount pressure washer + boiler and room for some clutter aswell - struggling, i would like a custom but they kinda suck for payload, open to recommendations Tia

The 340 custom has 1400 kg payload as does the Toyota / Peugeot proace dispatch in some models my white one is 1400 kg lwb proace

 

[ched999uk]

The 2019 onwards Peugeot Partners, Citroen Berlingo, Toyota ProAce City and the Vauxhall Combo are all essentially the same vans. I think most come with about 1050kg payload but double check the exact models.
I have a vertical 400lts tank close to the bulkhead, then up against the other side of the tank, 2 x 11lts DI vessels, leisure battery, and my booster pump, the RO is level with the top of the tank.
Due to the height of the tank the lid is a little higher than the side opening, but still accessible.
Then I have a pure freedom power reel (huge thing) and through floor rollers, then my gutter vac (panther) fits between the hose reel and my racking that's on the right side.
There is still space in the middle for cones and my Mighty Atom Geny.
It's quite tight for space but very workable.
Fuel economy isn't great at about 33mpg but mine never gets warm and only does about 2000miles a year!

 

[DeLaCruz]

found this which was quite a useful article : https://globalvans.co.uk/2024/12/13/best-payload-capacity/

 

[Cuthbert]

What about a LWB Renault trafic with 650lt tank and a heater that I have for sale?
Give me a call if your interested
07443692607