I don't have my reels fixed - though I think the best option for me would be one fixed and one loose. A fixed hose would be a pain if there are loads of corners to go around early in the reeling out (parked cars etc.). At least with a loose reel I can carry it around early obstacles then take it the short back distance to the van to connect (I have a through the floor and under bumper setup). The fixed reel coud be used for the many jobs where reeling out is more straightforward.