Which van can carry 200lbs of equipment, has a full-size bulkhead and 2 rows of seats?
Please can you recommend the best choice of van (probably secondhand due to a limited budget) for my daughter's new fitness business? She needs to carry 15 small trampolines, occupies 12 cubic ft (340 litres) max. weight 200lbs (90 kilos). But a full-size bulkhead is essential between load and passengers. Also require two rows of seats in cab, front for driver and adult passenger(s), with three young children in the back row. I've considered a double-cab pick-up with 'truckman' top but fear over-heavy construction and harsh springing would penalise mpg and ride quality. Maybe something about the size of a Volkswagen campervan but in a van format might suit. Her overall annual mileage is only around 5000 miles per year.
Asked on 1 February 2017 by Derek Barratt
Answered by
Dan Powell
If you only cover 5000 miles per year, then you’ll probably want a petrol-powered van. Modern diesels are not suited for repeated short runs from cold and you could end up with expensive DPF issues. For more details, see: vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-news/comment/van-drivers.../
Depending on what you have to spend, a Fiat Qubo might meet your needs with the 1.3 petrol engine. It’s cheap to buy second hand and the flexible seating system makes it easy to move the rear bench forwards to maximise load space. The rear seats can also be folded or removed altogether, which effectively returns the Qubo into the van on which it’s based. The Ford Tourneo Connect will cost more, but is a much better van with a comfortable ride and well-made interior. The 1.0 EcoBoost engine is economical, while the van’s long and tall body should easily cope with children and trampolines. For all of our van reviews, see: vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/
Depending on what you have to spend, a Fiat Qubo might meet your needs with the 1.3 petrol engine. It’s cheap to buy second hand and the flexible seating system makes it easy to move the rear bench forwards to maximise load space. The rear seats can also be folded or removed altogether, which effectively returns the Qubo into the van on which it’s based. The Ford Tourneo Connect will cost more, but is a much better van with a comfortable ride and well-made interior. The 1.0 EcoBoost engine is economical, while the van’s long and tall body should easily cope with children and trampolines. For all of our van reviews, see: vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/
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