Which Van is best for an electrical contractor?

I had a van that you guys know as the vauxhaul combo,
great van, very reliable, very economical
only down side is a bit expensive to fix.
But I only had two minor problems in 12 years
did over 50000klms.
great van.
 
50000 kellogs, thats 30000 real ones (miles), just about run in. my hiace has 186,000 miles on clock and not spent anything on it in the 2 years i've had it.
 
The Vauxhall Astravan suits my requirements perfectly. 141,000 on the clock of my 2007 van and still running great!
 
I've been using the Peugeot expert at work as a pool van - horrible but got used to it during the couple of days then go to a job in my 2004 hollowed out Astra Hatch and it feels EPIC - its quiet and tight to drive. Being in that rattley tinny van has made me appreciate my car/van (CAN) so until I really need one I'm sticking with the 'Can'
 
I guess it all depends how much coin you have.
What's your expected mileage etc etc.
I bought a connect, just over a year ago. It's an ex British gas van, has security locks fitted as all Ford's are easy to break in.
It's ok for what I need.
I guess you have to gather as much Intel as you can before taking the plunge.
Do your home work, get a feel for second hand prices by studying eBay and auto sites.
Then take the plunge
 
To be fair there are many good vans around now, but my experience of the Berlingo is very good . As I have said previously I have access to a dealership size workshop and I seldom see them in.
My mate has had four of them ,albeit lease , not one of them has ever had a problem ; and the fuel economy is phenomenal.
 
I have had a Nissan env200 for a year now and I love it! Lots of space for a "small" panel Van.

this one runs on pure battery power and fully loaded (usually the case) it has a 55-60 mile range, less in winter. All motorway services have rapid charge stations which top up to 80% in 30 mins.
Fuel costs around 4p/mile no road tax, servicing is cheap and is 100% tax deductible to purchase, even second hand. Do the maths, the loan to buy it costs £350/,month for 3 years.
It's basically the diesel nv200 with a Leaf motor and batteries.. or look at the IC engine variants, I'm well impressed with the physical space and door arrangements.
 
Hi,

I am looking at getting a small pre owned van. My budget is around 4/5k, does anyone have any advice or experiences to help me decide on which van to go for? Just need something reliable with enough room for my steps, tools, drills and wont break the bank!

A Peugeot partner, vauxhall combo and Citroen berlingo have been the most common suggestions so far.

Thanks!
 
when I saw the post saying best small van model ,me was thinking dinky toy.
th
 
Chris said:
Hi,

I am looking at getting a small pre owned van. My budget is around 4/5k, does anyone have any advice or experiences to help me decide on which van to go for? Just need something reliable with enough room for my steps, tools, drills and wont break the bank!

A Peugeot partner, vauxhall combo and Citroen berlingo have been the most common suggestions so far.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
look out for an ex-BT vauxhall combo. you might be able to get one already racked out.
 
Nv200 Nissan - plenty of white ones for next to nothing and loads of room in back for a small van. Have a look at a model with a few more mods and a bit more horsepower (110 instead of 90). Not a bad looking van
 
I had a combo van, great motor, very reliable if serviced properly.Only had two minor issue's over 14 years, and both where revealed by the engine management module. It's no performance machine, but reliable it is. very awkward to work on, so best left to a mechanic.
 
iv'e had a few vans over the years, smallest ones were a Subaru Sumo and a Dihatsu Hi-jet. both gave excellent service. after 2 nissan vanettes,1 died from electronics fail, the other rotted away under me, I graduated to a Toyota Hiace. best van i've ever had. had this 04 plate for almost 4 years and only spent on oil changes, 2 tyres, brake pads, and 4 MOTs ( all MOTs were passes). 200,000 on the odometer, and it will still outlive me.
 
Best Van for Electricians for 2019 / 2020? (Pics Please But Not Essential)

You can vote for 3 - The one you had last, the one you have now, the one you want next. ​

You don't have to fill all these in. But if you do, copy and paste the questions into a thread of your own. Or quote this first post and just make your own bullet point replies. I'll do one for the plumbers and tilers too. See if we can come up with a formula for best vans somehow, and then I'll write an article for some Van Magazines and Professional Electrician Magazine and whatnot.


Best Electricians Vans 2019 - Best Van Of The Year

<---- copy from here ---->​

  1. CURRENT ELECTRICIANS VAN - WHICH VAN ARE YOU USING RIGHT NOW AS AN ELECTRICIAN?
    1. How much was it? and Was it new or preloved? :D :D
    2. Where did you buy it from? (give them a plug?)
    3. Insurance, were they good enough to give a plug to? - Feel free to link to them and mention price there about
  2. PREVIOUS ELECTRICIANS VAN - WHICH VAN DID YOU USE LAST AS AN ELECTRICIAN?
    1. How much was it? and Was it new or preloved? :D :D
    2. Where did you buy it from? (give them a plug?)
    3. Insurance, were they good enough to give a plug to? - Feel free to link to them and mention price there about
  3. NEXT ELECTRICIANS VAN - WHICH VAN WILL YOU NEXT USE AS AN ELECTRICIAN?
    1. How much was it? and Was it new or preloved? :D :D
    2. Where did you buy it from? (give them a plug?)
    3. Insurance, were they good enough to give a plug to? - Feel free to link to them and mention price there about
<---- copy to here ---->
Then past it inside a post of your own in the reply box, and answer what you can. :)​

Let's make this thread a handy thread for those looking for vans. I'll make a poll with popular van makes, whether long or short wheel base, what model is was, what extras it had, whether it had a Dab Radio (Best Dab Radios Thread) and that kinda jazz.

Colours? Did you select a certain colour? - Restore it perhaps if it was an old one? (A tiler sticks a new pre 1960s van through the books, restoration the lot, and uses it as 'marketing budget' and offsets it. Does one every year I think. Loafs of old triumphs and fords and bedfords. He's got a collection now.

Going to make a poll, I'll add some van makes. I wont do the models. There is bloody millions of 'em.

But choose a van make from the list, some pick ups in there too.

And then please reply with the pics of them if you can.

NOTES TO BE AWARE OF WHEN POSTING ANY VAN PICTURES ANYWHERE ON SOCIAL SITES
  • Side on pictures of your van if you can't number plates (Apple App to hide number plates) https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/hidemyplate/id662558691) - (Google Android App to Hide Numberplates)
  • If you keep tools in your van, and have your post code on any google listings, checkatrade, mybuilder, anything of that sort, and your van pictures show up in Google image search, robbers can link the two and find your van. So avoid posting pictures of it anywhere unless it's locked up in storage or tools are not in the van. This goes for all sites not just our forums.
Best Electricians Vans 2019
  1. Ford Vans
  2. Volkswagen Vans
  3. Vauxhall Vans
I was expecting VW to come out top but Ford wiped the floor with the whole list there.
 
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I used to have a vauxhall zafira! but for last 3 years have had a nissan eNV200 electric van. I know a lot of guys will criticize evs as not suitable for range etc but for a sole trader operating locally (within a 25 mile radius) it works fine. All the specs you can get online if interested but its basically an NV200 diesel van with the engine replace with a Leaf motor and 24kWh battery pack; I get a useable safe range of about 60 miles, fully loaded, but obviously can be charged up with rapid chargers dotted around eg at most motorway service stations.
its lovely to drive, as well as not polluting and chucking out poisonous gas.
The current model has an improved battery pack of 40kWh I believe and I'm sure it wont be long before that goes up again eg the new Leaf has a 60kWh option. Costs around 3p a mile in electricity and often just runs on sunshine (from the pv panels and storage battery), insurance is about the same (I use Gladiator), servicing is a lot cheaper as basically a lot simpler with less moving parts, currently no road tax altho im sure this will change. its 100% tax deductible to buy. Space in van is great with 2 sliding side doors and a split rear door. I have racks fitted at sides.
If I was staying in the trade I would definitely upgrade to a bigger batt pack but would never go back to ICE motors again, however I probably retiring in a year or two so will last me til then when i shall trade it in for a decent electric car. It does help if the second family vehicle is an ICE like ours (ie diesel car), but as things are going in a couple of years with battery tech improving and chargepoints more accessible i dont think it will be an issue.
I have got some pics but have an issue attaching at the moment..
 
a-z electrics said:
I used to have a vauxhall zafira! but for last 3 years have had a nissan eNV200 electric van. I know a lot of guys will criticize evs as not suitable for range etc but for a sole trader operating locally (within a 25 mile radius) it works fine. All the specs you can get online if interested but its basically an NV200 diesel van with the engine replace with a Leaf motor and 24kWh battery pack; I get a useable safe range of about 60 miles, fully loaded, but obviously can be charged up with rapid chargers dotted around eg at most motorway service stations.
its lovely to drive, as well as not polluting and chucking out poisonous gas.
The current model has an improved battery pack of 40kWh I believe and I'm sure it wont be long before that goes up again eg the new Leaf has a 60kWh option. Costs around 3p a mile in electricity and often just runs on sunshine (from the pv panels and storage battery), insurance is about the same (I use Gladiator), servicing is a lot cheaper as basically a lot simpler with less moving parts, currently no road tax altho im sure this will change. its 100% tax deductible to buy. Space in van is great with 2 sliding side doors and a split rear door. I have racks fitted at sides.
If I was staying in the trade I would definitely upgrade to a bigger batt pack but would never go back to ICE motors again, however I probably retiring in a year or two so will last me til then when i shall trade it in for a decent electric car. It does help if the second family vehicle is an ICE like ours (ie diesel car), but as things are going in a couple of years with battery tech improving and chargepoints more accessible i dont think it will be an issue.
I have got some pics but have an issue attaching at the moment..
Click to expand...
I have a tiler on our tile forum that has used one for 3 years already. Loves it. Can't remember what
 
For the past 10 years I have used just which ever car I have run at the time for my works van until earlier this year when I decided it was time so I bought a second hand Peugeot Boxer and kitted the back out with all my makita kit and toolboxes and cable shelf and odds and ends ! That was four months ago the van is going great but life has taken a drastic turn for me a few weeks back my dad was found dead in his house and mum was found laying on the floor ! Dad has taken a heart attack and because mum has Alzheimer’s she wasn’t aware of anything and was found in a poor state and was rushed to hospital. We waited a week or so before arranging dads funereal just in case we needed to bury mum too ! But happy to say she is pulling through and so I have taken the decision to hang up my tools for a bit and take care of mum ! 34 years in the trade and I vow I will return but hopefully not for a long time not because I didn’t love it but because I love my mum more ! But I will have more time to come here and keep an eye on you lot more so watch out for straight talking and reprimands for those seen cutting corners ?? and the moral of this story if a car will do don’t rush to buy a van !
 
Dan... should your first line in OP read 2019/2020? Not 2010 ;)

Citroen berlingo... new, but had demo miles on it. £19k 3 years ago. Small, but fine for starting out self employed.
Might go for vw transporter next. And when I retire I can have it converted to a camper van.
 
Started off with a 59 plate Citreon Dispatch, it did fine.
Now have a Vw Transporter LWB as i use it for camping also. Converted it ourselves into insulated and carpeted sleeper. At some point it will have a leisure battery installed and probably an awning and leave it at that. Makes a good base for anyone wanting to convert it fully using their own design and colours then ?.
 
VW T5 (very solid...thirsty but worth it),
Previous VW caddy ( drives just like a car, only upgraded due to needing more space)
Previous Saab 90 coupe loadsa space.
Have hired recent transit and transit custom nicer cab layout than my T5 but less solid, Custom was thirstier than the transit.
Next one? probably one without wheels (if there were an option) to cut particulates on the road left from brake dust! or a tricycle with cart for light slow response duties....not sure how my C02 emissions would fare depending on how fast I peddled and what food I ate.
Don't think EV is anyway there yet due to all the kit I carry & mileage for various works...

BTW....What happened to the old EV milk floats with no doors ??:)
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vjsmarwick said:
For the past 10 years I have used just which ever car I have run at the time for my works van until earlier this year when I decided it was time so I bought a second hand Peugeot Boxer and kitted the back out with all my makita kit and toolboxes and cable shelf and odds and ends ! That was four months ago the van is going great but life has taken a drastic turn for me a few weeks back my dad was found dead in his house and mum was found laying on the floor ! Dad has taken a heart attack and because mum has Alzheimer’s she wasn’t aware of anything and was found in a poor state and was rushed to hospital. We waited a week or so before arranging dads funereal just in case we needed to bury mum too ! But happy to say she is pulling through and so I have taken the decision to hang up my tools for a bit and take care of mum ! 34 years in the trade and I vow I will return but hopefully not for a long time not because I didn’t love it but because I love my mum more ! But I will have more time to come here and keep an eye on you lot more so watch out for straight talking and reprimands for those seen cutting corners ?? and the moral of this story if a car will do don’t rush to buy a van !
Click to expand...
Sorry to hear you are going through a lot right now, BIG respect for looking after your mum, Hope all goes ok.
 
Last edited:
Vjsmarwick my sympathy’s regarding your Dad and my full respect on your decision to down tools and look after your Mum.

Regarding My Van. I am on my second Citroen Berlingo Enterprise. Perfect small Van for domestic electrician.
 
when going self employed got a 14 plate peugeot bipper. is small but does the job for house bashing. parking is a nightmare in Bath so being small makes the small narrow streets easy to park and turn etc. can fit fold up ladders and usual house bashing kit in no problem but conduit and wood has to go on the roof rack.
Really have to keep on top of things in the back or it gets messy, in next year or so when the emissions zone comes in to force in Bath I will possibly get a ford transit connect plus loads of after market security or a medium size peugeot.
The bipper does fly though, handles well and cheap to run and insure. only paid £3k for it 2 and half years ago, had to get clutch and brakes done but otherwise is good for now.
 
vjsmarwick said:
For the past 10 years I have used just which ever car I have run at the time for my works van until earlier this year when I decided it was time so I bought a second hand Peugeot Boxer and kitted the back out with all my makita kit and toolboxes and cable shelf and odds and ends ! That was four months ago the van is going great but life has taken a drastic turn for me a few weeks back my dad was found dead in his house and mum was found laying on the floor ! Dad has taken a heart attack and because mum has Alzheimer’s she wasn’t aware of anything and was found in a poor state and was rushed to hospital. We waited a week or so before arranging dads funereal just in case we needed to bury mum too ! But happy to say she is pulling through and so I have taken the decision to hang up my tools for a bit and take care of mum ! 34 years in the trade and I vow I will return but hopefully not for a long time not because I didn’t love it but because I love my mum more ! But I will have more time to come here and keep an eye on you lot more so watch out for straight talking and reprimands for those seen cutting corners ?? and the moral of this story if a car will do don’t rush to buy a van !
Click to expand...
B09E2E78-790E-4C5B-AB70-A0758938ACE7.jpeg38F20109-CBF7-47D6-940A-59B2A8DAFF12.jpegB4D7CB80-1102-47CE-BABD-153BF5AB6DA7.jpegA591A5A1-6267-4E31-9E75-088CDAB99FBF.jpegB09E2E78-790E-4C5B-AB70-A0758938ACE7.jpeg38F20109-CBF7-47D6-940A-59B2A8DAFF12.jpegB4D7CB80-1102-47CE-BABD-153BF5AB6DA7.jpegA591A5A1-6267-4E31-9E75-088CDAB99FBF.jpegB09E2E78-790E-4C5B-AB70-A0758938ACE7.jpeg

Pics of the interior of the back !
 
This thread has 14 replies, but 22,000+ views - in just over 24 hours.

1568827073052.png

In fairness, we have the site-wide poll running too. But it still wont count as a view unless somebody clicks the thread title in the poll to end up on the thread.

That's cool. Don't think I've got that many so quickly before!
 
a-z electrics said:
I used to have a vauxhall zafira! but for last 3 years have had a nissan eNV200 electric van. I know a lot of guys will criticize evs as not suitable for range etc but for a sole trader operating locally (within a 25 mile radius) it works fine.
Click to expand...
So much good info in one post (suggest reading the full post above)
I run the diesel version of the NV200. Bought used at high mileage and very complete history. Used mainly in London traffic. Dead easy to park and, critically, fits in most car-parks even with a rack and Rhino Tube. A bit basic - change the radio / Bluetooth for your sanity. Been around for years unchanged so plenty of cheap spares / breakers. Down sides are really just slow and a bit noisy on a motorway. Could do with a hatch under the seat like Berlingos for 2.4 metres of trunking but will carry a six step Youngman step ladder inside due to the shape of the cab.

I fitted slightly larger alloys, ply racking and a half width false floor which works well. Limited space equals don't cart lots of unnecessary crap - tidy it out. Probably go for the EV version if the right deal was available. If you have solar on the house it's an obvious match. Images to follow when I find them.
 

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