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| Topic: | I know this topic has been done to death, but it's van time, and I can't make a decision This thread has 94 replies. Displaying posts 31 through 45. |
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| OP | Post 31 made on Friday May 19, 2017 at 16:40 |
Old Man River Long Time Member |
Joined:
Posts: | February 2008
372 |
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On May 19, 2017 at 16:14, goldenzrule said...
The NV feels very planted for such a large and tall vehicle. Honestly, I love driving it which I never said about any other van I have had Yeah, it was really surprising how well it did on a windy, mountain road. Especially versus the transit. And again, the feeling of being behind the wheel of a full size van again was nice. I may be over 4 cylinders entirely, despite the peppiness of the NV200, I hate hearing a 4 cylinder scream at 5000 rpms to do 70 up Sandstone Mountain.
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Lord loves a workin' man; don't trust whitey; see a doctor and get rid of it. |
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| Post 32 made on Tuesday May 23, 2017 at 03:04 |
Mario Loyal Member |
Joined:
Posts: | November 2006
5,681 |
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If you go thru the mountains than you most likely drive far from office and supply shops.
Having everything with you due to plentiful van size is a huge time saver.
Like Tucker in TX, I've never seen a low garage or had to deal with metro parking.
For me, bigger is better.
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| Post 33 made on Thursday May 25, 2017 at 08:29 |
andrewinboulder Select Member |
Joined:
Posts: | August 2003
1,518 |
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Just retired my ailing Ford E150 van that was pushing 215,000 miles. I just bought a 2015 Ford Transit medium high with 148" wheel base.
Unfortunately it doesn't have any racks or shelving. It's so clean I almost hate to put anything in it but it must be done.
What have others used for shelving and racks that they are happy with. I really don't want to drop thousands more for that stuff. Anyone found a less expensive supplier that works just as well or is time to "nut-up".
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| Post 34 made on Thursday May 25, 2017 at 08:54 |
goldenzrule Loyal Member |
Joined:
Posts: | July 2007
8,474 |
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On May 25, 2017 at 08:29, andrewinboulder said...
Just retired my ailing Ford E150 van that was pushing 215,000 miles. I just bought a 2015 Ford Transit medium high with 148" wheel base.
Unfortunately it doesn't have any racks or shelving. It's so clean I almost hate to put anything in it but it must be done.
What have others used for shelving and racks that they are happy with. I really don't want to drop thousands more for that stuff. Anyone found a less expensive supplier that works just as well or is time to "nut-up". I have all Adrian steel shelves with some drawers added. It works well for me. Also have the interior ladder "rack" that mounts to the ceiling for my 6 footer. I carry a 4' and 6' ladder in the van where they are dry and are out of the way. The whole setup was not that expensive, but the base part of the shelving was included as part of my sale with Nissan. I added additional shelves, the drawers, and interior ladder rack myself.
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| Post 35 made on Thursday May 25, 2017 at 14:21 |
andrewinboulder Select Member |
Joined:
Posts: | August 2003
1,518 |
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On May 14, 2017 at 23:14, SB Smarthomes said...
I bought the full size Transit about 2 years ago (medium height/medium length) and really like it. I moved up from a Chevy Astro and couldn't imagine going back to a smaller vehicle. When I drove the Astro I had to shift products and tools in and out of the van every day based on the job and ended up strapping long stuff like conduit, shades, etc. on the top which was time consuming to load and unload. Now with the Transit I keep almost every tool in the van, plus lots of parts/supplies and even have room for lots of demo stuff (lutron lighting & shades, acoustic stuff, etc.). The cargo area is over 10ft long the longest shades, conduit, unistrut or whatever just goes in the back and I haven't installed a TV yet that didn't fit easily in the back. I do custom work including woodwork, metal work, acoustics, etc. so keep a compressor and pneumatic tools with me all the time. The only tools I don't keep in the van full time are table saw and miter saw.It's got the 3.5 Eco Boost engine (twin turbo) and I average 14MPG fully loaded with ladders on the top. Highway MPG is around 17MPG and in town with hills is about 13MPG. I only drive 6000-8000 miles per year so not really concerned about fuel economy and the convenience of having everything in the van far outweighs the economy of a smaller vehicle for me. Here's some photos... I had about $10k over the cost of the vehicle to outfit it and add graphics:      Here it is with two full height BGR racks (still on the pallets) along with doors, fans, cable chase, ladder racks and all the other goodies with plenty of room left near the front of the van: 
 Paul, where did you find that silver unit in the last picture - the one that has all your totes in it.
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| Post 36 made on Thursday May 25, 2017 at 18:12 |
SB Smarthomes Super Member |
Joined:
Posts: | July 2007
2,634 |
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On May 25, 2017 at 14:21, andrewinboulder said...
Paul, where did you find that silver unit in the last picture - the one that has all your totes in it. That's from Ranger Design... it's called a Partskeeper: [Link: rangerdesign.com]I think the cost was just under $1k and it's been worth the money. I ended up with stuff from Knapheide (partition), Prime Design (flip down ladder rack) and shelving plus other stuff from Ranger, Adrian Steele. With a big van like this I think it's important to spend the money to outfit it well so it's organized.
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www.sbsmarthomes.comSanta Barbara Smarthomes |
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| Post 37 made on Saturday May 27, 2017 at 08:16 |
audiox99 Long Time Member |
Joined:
Posts: | April 2007
219 |
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We currently have 3 full size transits, 2 of them with quigley 4x4 conversions and the ecoboost engines and 1 rear wheel drive transit with the diesel. We also have an express box van and awd 1500 express. We have had promasters, transit connects, astros, and had an f450 with a utility box for awhile. Our search for the best install vehicle went on for years.
My favorite is the ford transit t250 like Pauls. The handling is great, awesome power and mileage is good (if you get the diesel with 3.31 rear end its really good). My only complaint is I wish they had the blind spot detection.
My least favorite would be the promaster or older transit connect. The connect had barely enough power to climb a hill and did not like ladder racks at all. The promaster is not have tilt steering and had the squeekest brakes of any vehicle we have owned. Both promaster and connect were front wheel drive and were getting stuck all the time.
If i were looking for a smaller van I would consider the 130 inch wheel base full size transit over the city of nv stuff. We considered one for service work but decided to stay with the bigger vans. Hope this helps.
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| Post 38 made on Sunday May 28, 2017 at 09:19 |
On May 14, 2017 at 23:14, SB Smarthomes said...
I bought the full size Transit about 2 years ago (medium height/medium length) and really like it. I moved up from a Chevy Astro and couldn't imagine going back to a smaller vehicle.
When I drove the Astro I had to shift products and tools in and out of the van every day based on the job and ended up strapping long stuff like conduit, shades, etc. on the top which was time consuming to load and unload.
Now with the Transit I keep almost every tool in the van, plus lots of parts/supplies and even have room for lots of demo stuff (lutron lighting & shades, acoustic stuff, etc.). The cargo area is over 10ft long the longest shades, conduit, unistrut or whatever just goes in the back and I haven't installed a TV yet that didn't fit easily in the back. I do custom work including woodwork, metal work, acoustics, etc. so keep a compressor and pneumatic tools with me all the time. The only tools I don't keep in the van full time are table saw and miter saw.
It's got the 3.5 Eco Boost engine (twin turbo) and I average 14MPG fully loaded with ladders on the top. Highway MPG is around 17MPG and in town with hills is about 13MPG. I only drive 6000-8000 miles per year so not really concerned about fuel economy and the convenience of having everything in the van far outweighs the economy of a smaller vehicle for me. Our search went the same was as audiox99, and we recently pulled the trigger and purchased 3 of the full size transits kitted out the same way as SB Smarthomes, except with the ranger design contractor shelving, which is a little less expensive and more simple. We have been very happy with all aspects of the van, and as previous mentioned these things haul ass! I definitely recommend the Sync console option, as well as the interior and exterior basic trim upgrade. I opted out initially, but the salesman talked us into it and am really happy we did.
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| Post 39 made on Sunday May 28, 2017 at 09:38 |
andrewinboulder Select Member |
Joined:
Posts: | August 2003
1,518 |
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On May 28, 2017 at 09:19, BradKas said...
Our search went the same was as audiox99, and we recently pulled the trigger and purchased 3 of the full size transits kitted out the same way as SB Smarthomes, except with the ranger design contractor shelving, which is a little less expensive and more simple.
We have been very happy with all aspects of the van, and as previous mentioned these things haul ass! I definitely recommend the Sync console option, as well as the interior and exterior basic trim upgrade. I opted out initially, but the salesman talked us into it and am really happy we did. Got any pics? :) I'm curious how the ranger shelving looks installed.
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| Post 40 made on Sunday May 28, 2017 at 11:55 |
Ranger Home Super Member |
Joined:
Posts: | June 2007
3,486 |
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 [Link: s50.photobucket.com]][IMG]  [/IMG][/URL]" /> I agree 100% the steering column in the Promaster sucks since it only telescopes and doesnt tilt. However, I still pulled the trigger. I liked the way it drove better than the Ford, the higher head room in rear, front wheel drive and the mileage. Just spend the money and do it right. Its only money, it pays for itself. Just make more money lol. Money is easier to come by than figuring out what you want IMO. [Link: s50.photobucket.com]][IMG]  [/IMG][/URL]" /> Ive since add 4 more pull outs and some more hanging boxes. I havent taken picture yet. [Link: s50.photobucket.com]][IMG]  [/IMG][/URL]" /> [Link: s50.photobucket.com]][IMG]  [/IMG][/URL]" /> Added custom alluminum angle iron and a home made "slide" to get 50% more storage in some drawers. [Link: s50.photobucket.com]][IMG]  [/IMG][/URL]" /> Added piano hinge and home made shelf to double storage in some drawers. Sortimo needs to offer this in their catalog! [Link: s50.photobucket.com]][IMG]  [/IMG][/URL]" /> Lift the handle, and voila! 100% more storage: [Link: s50.photobucket.com]][IMG]  [/IMG][/URL]" /> I can still add a slider over this to add more storage: [Link: s50.photobucket.com]][IMG]  [/IMG][/URL]" /> [Link: s50.photobucket.com]][IMG]  [/IMG][/URL]" /> Containers slide out [Link: s50.photobucket.com]][IMG]  [/IMG][/URL]" /> can can be carried in if needed: [Link: s50.photobucket.com]][IMG]  [/IMG][/URL]" /> [Link: s50.photobucket.com]][IMG]  [/IMG][/URL]" /> Good design pays! Do it right and live with no regrets.
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| Post 41 made on Sunday May 28, 2017 at 12:02 |
goldenzrule Loyal Member |
Joined:
Posts: | July 2007
8,474 |
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That van is a mess. Clean that sh1t up Tucker
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| Post 42 made on Sunday May 28, 2017 at 13:53 |
audiox99 Long Time Member |
Joined:
Posts: | April 2007
219 |
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I don't see a single box of wire in that van!
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| Post 43 made on Sunday May 28, 2017 at 14:09 |
Hey Tucker - curious, does that level of organization work well for you on a day to day basis?
The OCD part of the my loves it, but the side of me that understands we are bringing in our bags of tools, drills, chargers, etc every day on every job wonders if it makes any sense in practice. Something to get used to I guess?
A lot of our systems over the last few years have been implemented to mitigate trips to the van throughout the day.
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| Post 44 made on Sunday May 28, 2017 at 14:18 |
goldenzrule Loyal Member |
Joined:
Posts: | July 2007
8,474 |
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On May 28, 2017 at 13:53, audiox99 said...
I don't see a single box of wire in that van!
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| Post 45 made on Sunday May 28, 2017 at 16:35 |
Ranger Home Super Member |
Joined:
Posts: | June 2007
3,486 |
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On May 28, 2017 at 14:09, BradKas said...
Hey Tucker - curious, does that level of organization work well for you on a day to day basis?
The OCD part of the my loves it, but the side of me that understands we are bringing in our bags of tools, drills, chargers, etc every day on every job wonders if it makes any sense in practice. Something to get used to I guess?
A lot of our systems over the last few years have been implemented to mitigate trips to the van throughout the day. You see in the first pic, on the drivers side of van, there are six large bins. Those slide out (well, just pull out, not on an actual ball barring glider) but also have carry handles on them. I use one explicitly for a "tote". I gather what I need, and put it all in that tote. While the slide out compartment boxes are portable, I NEVER take those inside, i pull what i need from the compartment and put it in the tote. Works VERY well for me. Regardless, no matter how organized, i make trips to the van to get what I "forgot" lol. but in the end, this set up has been HUGE time saver. I also pushes me to KEEP it organized! My Ecoline van, that i had to get on knees to access, was never really organized or kept tidy. I did learn however I should not have skimped in the beginning and have sinse gone back and added pull out slide to EVERY box including boxes that only have a power tool in them. I find it easier to just grap the tool and not the box. I like that bettter. Before, I hate to pull the box out of the slot set it on the floor or a drawer, open it, pull out the saw, meter, whatever then carry the tool in. Now, i pull the slider out, open the lid, grap the tool and carry on. I'll get some more pics someday.
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