I work out the side of the van, so for me it's a straight run out and back 98% of the time.
My electric reel is bolted straight onto the top of my lay flat tank; yes bolted straight into the plastic; no problem at all. It's also at shoulder height and the reel in button is right by the door opening so everything is quick and to hand. My pole is hanging horizontal inside the van, by the side door opening, so it's easy to get in and out and it stays connected to the hose reel.
I also use 30m of reinforced pole hose on the end of my reel, light, lays flat, easy to use; it works very well for me, but I don't run it across the road.