[CF Facilities]

Hi

My van has died so need to replace it.

I have seen a couple if nice Doblos but not sure if they can carry 500litres plus all equipment for a two man set up with only a 1.3 engine?

Anyone run one of these and had any issues?

Thanks in advance

Col

[KS Cleaning]

It’s the doblo maxi you will need for that payload. I once had the 1.6 version of the maxi, decent vans for the money. You could also look at the Vauxhall Combo  which is the same van.

[AuRavelling79]

Let me tell you a story ... everyone else who has heard me bore people with me extolling the Doblo 1.3 virtues pull up a sleeping bag.

Now - I am talking about my 1.3 Doblo with a 736kg payload bought new on a '56 plate back in late 2006 which is still going strong. So the newer 750 and 1000kg payload versions should be even better.

I bought this and fitted a DiY single operator (me) 400L  system. I ran it until 2011 as such.

In 2011 my son - in - law joined me and we operated the same system with 2 x 25L barrels and a backpack (18L) for a month. So the payload was water 473L = 473kg. Plus me and Dan the Man = 673kg. Plus usual crap - I reckon we were on the limit.

For the next six months we towed a trailer with 200L tank and a reel in it! So the weight in the van dropped by about 100kg but the trailer added about 300kg with water, tank, pump and battery.

Then I got a bigger van with 1080kg payload and ran a 650L tank and two men.

But I kept the Doblo and Dan used it as a separate van with the 400L and occasional gutter gear.

Then Dan left in 2014 and rented some of my round but bought the Doblo.

He still runs the Doblo and is now occasionally using a second chap with a backpack and barrels! He is thinking of a new van but hasn't taken the plunge while he saves up lolly.

So at the present time the Doblo is coming up 12 years old from new, only on about 70K miles and still going strong.

Issues ...

Year two replaced under warranty starter motor packed up. Year eleven packed up again and replaced for about £120.00. (Lots of start stop work as a window cleaner)
Drivers door's window frame fractured at 3 years and cost about £120 at a garage to be repaired.
A side door jammed shut and had to be freed at 6 years. Cost about £80.00.

Clutch replaced at 6 years. Other than brakes, tyres, wipers, discs and pads - nothing.

No cambelt either. (Only on 1.3)

ALWAYS be meticulous about oil changes - small sump.

Word on the street is get a 1.3 or a 2.0 as the 1.6 has issues.

[CF Facilities]

Wow

Thanks for the history. Very thorough. Sounds like you got a good deal with that van.

I have seen a  Vauxhall Combo Maxi with the 1.3 diesel engine in but also a 1.6 hdi Citroen dispatch which looks good too.

Decisions- Decisions 

[AuRavelling79]

A Doblo 1000kg will take a 500L plus two blokes - but 500L won't last more than 4/5 hours.

When i went two-man I wanted  a physically bigger van and was able to buy brand new and went for a Hyundai. (It has 1080kg payload) I also liked three seats instead of two which Doblo's don't do I believe.

If you are aiming for two man at the outset I would suggest that even the 1000kg Doblo is too small unless it is a husband/wife 3 to 4 day a week sort of operation. When you get up to speed with two blokes working you will use up 650 litres in 5 to 6 hours. 650 litres + frame+pumps and hoses and two blokes and "stuff" will get you up to 1000kg.

So I would suggest over 1000kg payload and a 2.0 HDi engine.

Again 1.6 engine (Pug/Citroen/Fiat) does not have as good a reputation ...

[dazmond]

you need at least a 800L tank and a van with a min payload of  1400kg IMO for 2 people.....

[John Mart]

A Doblo 1000kg will take a 500L plus two blokes - but 500L won't last more than 4/5 hours.

When i went two-man I wanted  a physically bigger van and was able to buy brand new and went for a Hyundai. (It has 1080kg payload) I also liked three seats instead of two which Doblo's don't do I believe.

If you are aiming for two man at the outset I would suggest that even the 1000kg Doblo is too small unless it is a husband/wife 3 to 4 day a week sort of operation. When you get up to speed with two blokes working you will use up 650 litres in 5 to 6 hours. 650 litres + frame+pumps and hoses and two blokes and "stuff" will get you up to 1000kg.

So I would suggest over 1000kg payload and a 2.0 HDi engine.

Again 1.6 engine (Pug/Citroen/Fiat) does not have as good a reputation ...

I think 1400kg payload is needed for 2 man. Look at the new Experts.