Taller van

[realclean]

I am looking at getting a new van (maybe Ford Transit), and would like to know the pros and cons of going to a taller van VS a standard 3/4 ton van.

My first problem is, my shop is not tall enough for even the mid high roof Transit to fit and so during the few days that the temp falls below freezing I would not have a place to park inside.

Problem number 2, some place that I have gone to in the past have low hanging carports and other structures that are too low for a taller van.

Is there anyone here that give me some first hand pros and cons??????

 

[Desk Jockey]

I don't like the tall roof but love the mid roof Transit. Its been great for what we use it for.
We could never put these racks in a standard van. In a standard van we were always on our knees, here you can walk in standing up. Love it so far.

 

[ruff]

Do you need to get into garages usually?
Are you talking just taller or extended as well. If yes, is parking an issue?

I had an extended Sprinter that was meant for Texas. Ended up having to use it here in the Bay Area.

• Parking due to length was a nightmare.
• At the time I did work with portables as well and had a problem fitting it into many buildings' garages, as many have a 6'8" - 6'10" clearance.
• Backing up and passing under tree branches etc., was an adjustment.
• Driving on highway in high wind was definitely a little more adventurous, and I assume slightly less fuel efficient.

Loved the extra storage space and the ease of access to equipment. Makes a huge difference. When trying to get to equipment that is in a non-convenient area, many times meant that the equipment stayed right where it was (collecting dust).

The few days that it falls below freezing, though a slight inconvenience should not be a huge issue, as you can just leave a heater in it (I did with the Sprinter.)

 

[Bob Pruitt]

For carpet cleaning I like a standard roof height extended van for the reasons you mentioned. Still like the body on frame GM/Chevy van as well.

some place that I have gone to in the past have low hanging carports and other structures

 

[Cleanworks]

If you are in a large metropolitan area, height and length are going to be an issue, especially if you only have 1 van to do everything. Even a reg height chevy is too tall to get into many parkades. Where i am the average parkadfe is 6'8" with many 6'6". I was lucky enough to aquire a volkswagen transporter which is a. Small 1 ton van with a clearance of 6'4". The trade off is not a lot of extra space. If your not using it for portable work, I would go with a mid roof van for all the reasons that Richard said. If you want something that will fit into parkades, look at the mercedes metris. One ton capacity in a small package.

 

[Chris A]

I can't imagine ever buying a taller than standard van, but I've never had one either

 

[hogjowl]

You'll hate it.
Go with a standard van.

Unless, of course, you're one of those types that live in your van, down by the river.

 

[Mikey P]

What truckmount?
Pretty damn happy with my low roof extended Transit


Fits in my garage and near my dump access just right..

 

[Cleanworks]

You'll hate it.
Go with a standard van.

Unless, of course, you're one of those types that live in your van, down by the river.

or like to nap in it.

 

[realclean]

What truckmount?

I'm not sure at this point what TM I will be going with.

My goal is to make more room for items I want to carry on the van and have room to keep things neat and have a place for everything.

 

[Spurlington]

Ive imagined how nice it would be to have a pop up roof for when Im parked .. primarily to give me the ability to stand up while in the vehicle.

 

[Desk Jockey]

That is the best part. No more crawling around on your knees.

 

[ruff]

I assume these are secured Richard.
Otherwise god have mercy on the driver if he needs to make a sudden stop.
Unless it's a process of natural selection. In that case, proceed.

 

[Desk Jockey]

I assume these are secured Richard.
Otherwise god have mercy on the driver if he needs to make a sudden stop.
Unless it's a process of natural selection. In that case, proceed.

God holds them in. I can't go against his will.
If its your fate to get fooked up by an airmover, so be it.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Carolina North 10020 3/8" Rope Ratchet with 8' Solid Braided Polypropylene Rope, 250-lb. Capacity
https://www.amazon.com/Carolina-North-10020-Polypropylene-Capacity/dp/B006P3B6PY
Ok ok I bought 1 long rope ratchet for up top and 2 for the bottom rack. 2 more for the floor beneath the rack. But they haven't made it off my credenza.

So far so good but as soon as I get a minute I'll get them put in. Until then, it is what it is.

 

[ruff]

It is what it is then.

 

[Desk Jockey]

lol

 

[hogjowl]

It is what it is then.

That's normally the case.

 

[Papa John]

Do u have a place to park a taller van? Also check with you local ordinance concerning parking overnight.
Our Nissan UD box van And Sprinter high roofs with dual rear wheels cant park on most residential streets over night.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Safety first...or second.

 

[ruff]

It is amazing (astounding) what legal concerns will motivate certain individuals to do when posting on a public forum.

Is it still- It is what it is, R.C.?

 

[Desk Jockey]

"It is" a weak attempt but it is up. lol

Thanks for the reminder. I'll get a piece fabbed up next to attach it more securely.

 

[Nate The Great]

I've used that strap for over a decade to hold my portables and stuff in place...

 

[Desk Jockey]

I've used that strap for over a decade to hold my portables and stuff in place...

We have them in the water trucks. Even though those are box trucks, the rope ratchets protect the equipment.

Technicians...you can always hire more of them.

 

[ruff]

Any chance it will make it into your signature?

Technicians...you can always hire more of them.

R.C.

 

[Desk Jockey]