Perfect Plumbing Van

[lame plumber]

so dont get a ford or you wont have any spares, got to go frog like and get a merc

 

[R1CKY]

they are french!!!!!!!

Don't you have a Modus and a Kangoo??

The Partner/Berlingo is a very good van, I've seen them with 200k + on the clock and still going strong.

 

[Mike Jackson]

I shudder to admit it, but, I liked the Vauxhall Movano and Renault Master vans that I had when I was at Iguana/eagaheat/CES. I absolutely loathed the transit. The main issue I had was with the long service intervals and the cheapskates at the lease company. Service interval was 24K, brake pads lasted around 30K. Surely the sensible thing would be to change them at 24 but no they're not due so let's just leave them until the brakes ail at 30K and new discs are needed as well. Apparently it was my fault as I should have checked them! The company didn't deem me competent to change my own wheels but were confident that I could check the brakes. A simple thing like a wear sensor would have helped but the first indication I got was when I stood on the brakes and a horrible screeching sunded from under the van.

 

[ABP]

Who needs a van?

Well, me actually! This is getting silly now...

 

[Guildfordboiler]

was thinking of getting a vw passat est to use for jobbing and use the big van in installs to save on diesel

 

[Jimbob]

Couple months ago I took the plunge and changed my 07 Vivaro for a new transporter LWB

Here she is

Got her all shelved out with roller bearing units, never been so organised.

 

[clarky101]

What you doing there parked in the woods.......dogging???????

 

[Plum Bob 66]

Couple months ago I took the plunge and changed my 07 Vivaro for a new transporter LWB

Here she is

Got her all shelved out with roller bearing units, never been so organised.

Now that is a thing of beauty but I'm guessing you paid for it!

 

[Jimbob]

Paid a fair whack, but hopefully will return alot more than the vivaro did when I sold it :s

 

[southcoastboile]

 

[Bagsy]

Hi, i have a Nissan NV200. My major likes is that 3 m of pipe i can get inside as it will slide under the passenger seat with the removal of part of the bulkhead. Van is really easy to manoeuvre, i work mainly as a service engineer & it suits me fine.

 

[Ermintrude]

We awaiting delivery of two new ones. One for me and one for service lad.

 

[Wet dream]

Couple months ago I took the plunge and changed my 07 Vivaro for a new transporter LWB

Here she is

Got her all shelved out with roller bearing units, never been so organised.

Lets see the shelving then.

Very smart looking van that

 

[lame plumber]

customers in N Devon will think you charge to much if you drive that

 

[hammers4spanner]

customers in N Devon will think you charge to much if you drive that

you charge to much ??

never!!

 

[vern]

Hi, i have a Nissan NV200. My major likes is that 3 m of pipe i can get inside as it will slide under the passenger seat with the removal of part of the bulkhead. Van is really easy to manoeuvre, i work mainly as a service engineer & it suits me fine.

You can do that in any vito too, just remove the panel and 4 rivots in the center

 

[vern]

customers in N Devon will think you charge to much if you drive that

Glad I ain't in North Devon then lol

 

[Centralheatking]

We have Transit Short wheelbase vans - semi hi tops with 6 speed gearbox -all under 1 year
cause they are on lease

Full tank costs £110.00 max and they run all day long for 8 hours + at 80 + we have had 110 out of one on the level near Chepstow on the dual road bit wwhere we know there are no cams

So last week we (I and Dirty dave ) did a job at some place near Brighton
- south coast ish. Full tank at west lancs - it ran all day we were there at 0800am
rtn and it needed a little drink of derv at juncton 16 northbound m6 while we were trying
out the new Burger King

Upshot I cannot fault the latest trannies well laid out cab wise and - well we think
the 2 litre holes for lemo/coke could be chilled and maybe a micro wave in the
shot guns hopper - CHK

 

[Bagsy]

Been happy with the Nissan, the only thing is has a small fault with the electronic sensor for the accelerator. Will get it fixed under warranty. It can sometimes be a bit un responsive.

 

[GeorgeOz]

VW Transporter for me in red. T28 model 130BHP! Love the van, I had a Toyota hiace before but it's got nothing on the transporter!

 

[Nostrum]

We have Transit Short wheelbase vans - semi hi tops with 6 speed gearbox -all under 1 year
cause they are on lease

Full tank costs £110.00 max and they run all day long for 8 hours + at 80 + we have had 110 out of one on the level near Chepstow on the dual road bit wwhere we know there are no cams

So last week we (I and Dirty dave ) did a job at some place near Brighton
- south coast ish. Full tank at west lancs - it ran all day we were there at 0800am
rtn and it needed a little drink of derv at juncton 16 northbound m6 while we were trying
out the new Burger King

Upshot I cannot fault the latest trannies well laid out cab wise and - well we think
the 2 litre holes for lemo/coke could be chilled and maybe a micro wave in the
shot guns hopper - CHK

How many miles is this to a tank?

How many miles to a tank on the Vivaro/Traffic 115 engine if anyone has one? (+how much to fill)


How many miles to a tank on the VW Transporter? (+and how much to fill)

Interested to see what others are getting real fuel economy wise. Sometimes the fuel saving is enough to warrant a new van in itself.

 

[Ermintrude]

Bought the nv200 just to increase bottom line. Merc lwb high top sprinter. Sprayed twice and it's a rusty heap. 2009. Transits just full of junk.

 

[Atouchofgas]

My vw t28 102 is approx £90 to fill and I get 510 -530 miles.

 

[Irish]

My 62plate transit swb 125 t280 does 450 miles to the tank and my right foot is fairly heavy

 

[mfgs]

My VW T30 130bhp costs £110 to fill up and I get about 420 - 450 miles out of it, although its mainly driving around town.

 

[Nostrum]

Same as mine then on an 2007 MWB semi high. I was thinking it was a bit down on fuel but from what I've heard its pretty normal.

I do a tank a week at the moment. If I could get 600 miles to a tank I would only need 3 fill ups a month, saving £100 in fuel alone. That's half the payment of a new van on lease. Then you add in the 3 years warranty, no MOT and the luxury of a new van and it is starting to make sense chopping in for a new one.

 

[Nostrum]

My VW T30 130bhp costs £110 to fill up and I get about 420 - 450 miles out of it, although its mainly driving around town.

Not for a transporter though!

 

[Nostrum]

Bought the nv200 just to increase bottom line. Merc lwb high top sprinter. Sprayed twice and it's a rusty heap. 2009. Transits just full of junk.

I looked at the NV200, nice little van for service and occasional install but to small for full time installs. Also feel a bit like postman pat sat in it. Supposed to be great on fuel though and cheap to buy/lease. Tempting, if they did a LWB I may have been swayed.

The thing I like about my Transit is everything bar the 4.5mtr roof ladder fits in the back with ease.

 

[Centralheatking]

Just checked now 546 miles plus some running around for £110 ish - all i know is these vans wil run all day at 85 mph on one tank CHK

How many miles is this to a tank?

How many miles to a tank on the Vivaro/Traffic 115 engine if anyone has one? (+how much to fill)


How many miles to a tank on the VW Transporter? (+and how much to fill)

Interested to see what others are getting real fuel economy wise. Sometimes the fuel saving is enough to warrant a new van in itself.

 

[Jimbob]

Coming from a 2.7t 115 vivaro, I've found fuel economy to be the same as the t30 vw. Although difficult to compare as it's fairly hilly here and always a different mixture if driving.

Haven't found the nice van has put any customers off yet lame!

 

[Dannypipe]

Oh, I have van envy. Photos of the inside please!

 

[gasmanrob]

Dannypipe didn't you get a transporter at auction a while back? Was waiting to see what you did with the racking but don't think I ever got to see a pic?

 

[gasmanrob]

I'm still seriously considering the transit custom

 

[Dannypipe]

I did mate, and I did post up the photos. I also tricked it out with a load of LED lights in the back, as the standard ones are very poor. Just last month I added another strip of LEDs on the bulkhead (cab side) so I can see better in the cab. I love my van so much it is sad.

 

[Dannypipe]

I'll try and find the photos. I'm on a new laptop so they're not on this one.

 

[gasmanrob]

Either that or the thread it was on? Nothing wrong with loving a van makes it easier to get up and out on a cold day. I am a proper van man through and through

 

[Dannypipe]

Here you go:

http://www.ukplumbersforums.co.uk/plumbers-arms/47671-van-hell-any-advice-very-welcome-12.html

 

[Dannypipe]

Halfway down this unrelated thread are the photos of the LED's I fitted. Photos do not do them justice. It's so bright compared to the standard lights its another league. Couldn't do without them now.

 

[Dannypipe]

Help if I pasted in the thread!!

http://www.ukplumbersforums.co.uk/plumbing-tools/49574-how-do-you-arrange-stuff-your-8.html

 

[gassafe]

Led lights are a must for are vans...

http://www.ukplumbersforums.co.uk/general-off-topic-chat/59119-new-van-toy-britalitez.html

 

[gasmanrob]

Nice. A lot of lighting in it bet aircraft try to land on it when the doors open.

ok this is sad but... Does it still smell like fresh ply in the back? Like that new van smell you get when you rack it all out

 

[Dannypipe]

Not anymore mate, I've changed things around a but since I took these photos, but I have kept everything inside pristine.

I am having the sign writing done soon, just haven't got around to it. There's a little bump it picked up on the back door (taking a triple ladder off the rack) so I have booked it in to get rid of that before it's sign written. I want it looking perfect.

I will try and stick with VW's if I can now. I'm probably going to 5 year lease the next one, as I have heard good things about leasing.

 

[mfgs]

Here you go:

http://www.ukplumbersforums.co.uk/plumbers-arms/47671-van-hell-any-advice-very-welcome-12.html

Did you rack it out yourself? Its very impressive, much better than mine. I may have to copy yours haha.

 

[TBServices]

I like that thread. Reminded me of that Gerard ******** who's now disappeared lol

 

[gasmanrob]

5 years is a looooooong time though

 

[Dannypipe]

Did you rack it out yourself? Its very impressive, much better than mine. I may have to copy yours haha.

No! Carpentry is not my strong point. I took it to a firm in Milton Keynes. Where for £600 I got the full CNC cut racking installed, and the roof rack and the pipe carrier. In my opinion money well spent. I would have lost a couple of days doing it, plus the materials, and it wouldn't have looked as good.

Someone else on here asked me about them, and then he also used them.

 

[Dannypipe]

5 years is a looooooong time though

I find 5 years goes by in a blink these days! It's scary actually. My daughter is 6 this year. Its gone by in a flash.

I could get a shorter lease, but I wouldn't want all the upheaval every 3 years.

 

[gasmanrob]

If your looking for sign writing there is a firm near me that do good work, husband and wife team lovely couple will always make what you want even if your a pain like I am.
Tiger Shark Studios - 01634 311444 « Installing Signs and Graphics throughout Kent
Kent Van Sign Writer | Kandi Graphics | 01634 311444

same company different website but has different pics of their work, highly recommended

 

[Dannypipe]

Thanks Rob, I have found a bloke via Facebook, friend of a friend who's going to do it. I just need to get round to organising it.

 

[solutions]

No I was like that before I went to France, plumbers were the best trade etc, but seeing the arrogance of the Brits has only served to enhance it

Puddle ,
I was an arrogant sod almost from the word go, being a London trained plumber we used to consider ourselves a cut above the rest
I have been lucky in the trade, and done just about all there is, apart from hospital work, right across the board, lab work with poly and glass wastes, and 4" soil stacks,, 4" lead pipe work, cast iron soil stacks, drains, water mains up to 12", 6" copper water and soil, PVC water mains up to 4", 150mm blue Poly water main with electro fusion, 63mm Poly gas main with electro fusion and hand, gas lamp heated saddle tapping tool, also worked on sludge main in a sewerage works, steel tube up to 4" once with a solid head die stock for 4" threading, worked mostly on large developments, but done a fair bit of house bashing as well, also had a time in the office as a junior design engineer, doing pen and ink drafting, with a bit of estimating and taking off from bills of quantities, plus a couple of spells in the Middle East
When I first went to France I thought that I would wipe the floor with these "peasants", but I am not ashamed to say they used me as the floor rag, at first. Example, I was sent to second fix a school, everything was there they said, bench, bottles, a few bends, and half a dozen "bar" of copper, no couplings, no tees, in a few places around the building there were a few stumps of copper tube sticking up out of the slab, ranging from a couple to more than half a dozen, it turned out that I had to make on site the manifolds and join them to the first fix tubing, this is normal in France, how many UK plumbers would know what to do??
In the time I have been in France, I have had to go back over work carried out by UK "trades persons" to rectify the work, a good half of it would not meet the Norms, and when the person is told this, the standard reply is, we have always done it like this in the UK, whilst you might soft solder all copper pipework, its hard solder for water, and silver solder for gas, ring mains are not allowed same as unswitched neutrals in the fuse board, or 13 amp socket outlets but the "English" still insist on them
Supermarkets somebody with two trolleys, no food but just booze, arguing with the girl on the till, in English, that last time he was allowed that amount of booze, or hearing them swear in front of the girl, because he did not get his way
Whilst its not all milk and honey over here, the trade training is better, a tradesman is a respected person in the community, the wages are lower than the UK, but you can live better than in the UK for what you get, there is not the compulsion to work all hours god gave you, "family comes first" I offered to work on a sunday to help get the job out on time, and was told nobody works 7 days a week full stop
I do reserve the right to defend my adopted country, which has given me the opportunity to retire early ( I retired 2 years late at 62 instead of 60 the norm for France), a better pension, no council tax bill because I am retired and don't have enough to pay the council tax, also we are below the income tax limit so no income tax to pay (between us we pick up from the state in the way of pensions the best part of 14000€ a year say £13000) health care
we pay about £60 a month to cover us for the difference between what the state pay and what the medication cost, the state pays normally 70%, life saving drugs are 100% paid for by the state

Edit:: One thing I did forget to mention, is the fact that nobody can just pick up a set of tools and start work as a plumber, electrician, etc, they have to register with the authorities first and that means a week back at school, doing accounts, tax, vat returns, the law in relation to your work, after this is done you have to find an assurance that will accept you, for the mandatory 10 year assurance of your work
How does that grab you all you plumbers in the UK by law you must guarantee your new work for 10 years, repairs and renovations are for 2 years

Very interesting. You are Lucky to have had the opportunity to see how things run elsewhere in europe. I wish more of what you described was required here.