[Stoots]

I'm getting rid of my van which is a citroen relay L2 H2. Reason being its overkill what what I need as a one man operation. Its pretty rubbish on fuel about 25mpg and it does annoy me with parking on some jobs. But also I use it as my only vehicle so on a weekend just nipping about to shops etc it is annoying to park.

Anyway I want to downsize but I can't decide between getting a really small van like a partner/combo/connect etc or a medium size like a vivaro/custom etc.

Obviously the smaller the van the easier to get about in and park and should be slightly better on fuel too.

But maybe I will miss the space ?

What do you guys reckon and if you where to get another van would it be same size you have or smaller or bigger ?

It will be just window cleaning so a 500l tank will be fine but i might want to van mount my pressure washer as well next spring.

[cgh window cleaning]

I’ve had Vauxhall combo’s before both lwb and swb and now have a Transit custom.

The custom is worlds apart in terms of comfort and space and reliability.
600 litre tank and still room for vac and other bits if needed.I can also unbolt the reel and still get a couple of mountain bikes in the back.

[JandS]

Same here...Transit Custom with 500 litre tank and still plenty of room..........

[dd]

I would probably go for Berlingo lwb, but then I only do window cleaning, no pressure washing.

[zesty]

Custom all day everyday.

Perfect size van for a large tank plus gutter vac and other bits and bobs.

Easy to park, great to drive.

[deeege]

I’ve had Berlingos for years now and recommended them. 3 seats, easily fit a 500 tank, good payload and it’s just like driving a car.

[colin bird]

I have a transit custom with a 500 l van mounted system with about a metre of space from tank to back doors ,so big enough to do a tip run,more importantly enough room to put my fishing stuff in when I go fishing for a couple of days

[Stoots]

I’ve had Berlingos for years now and recommended them. 3 seats, easily fit a 500 tank, good payload and it’s just like driving a car.

Is that the older 1.6 or the newer 1.5 ?

[Stoots]

I have a transit custom with a 500 l van mounted system with about a metre of space from tank to back doors ,so big enough to do a tip run,more importantly enough room to put my fishing stuff in when I go fishing for a couple of days

Yes I go fishing and biking so that extra space might be needed.

[deeege]

I’ve had Berlingos for years now and recommended them. 3 seats, easily fit a 500 tank, good payload and it’s just like driving a car.

Is that the older 1.6 or the newer 1.5 ?

The newer 1.5. Very good engines, plenty of pull so there’s no issues there even when fully loaded.

[Stoots]

I’ve had Berlingos for years now and recommended them. 3 seats, easily fit a 500 tank, good payload and it’s just like driving a car.

Is that the older 1.6 or the newer 1.5 ?

The newer 1.5. Very good engines, plenty of pull so there’s no issues there even when fully loaded.

That was the first van I was interested in but then I read loads online about timing chains snapping apparently it's a common problem.

But then I guess if you google faults on any van there's always something.

Presuming they will be good on fuel ?

Do poles fit in or do you need to put them through bulkhead ?

[Spruce]

Imho there are pros and cons to every vehicle purchase. We just don't know what all the cons are with a new vehicle until we start using it.

If the current van is working for you space wise then I would be inclined to stick with the negatives of owning it - parking etc. Perhaps fitting a reversing camera may help. It did with me. I also fitted 2 reverse sensors on each side of the bumper as an added aid.

I would be interested in seeing what the actual length difference is between your current van and a lwb Ford Custom.

Buying a new van is always going to cost you, even if you are down sizing.

You have had a hard time with motivation lately. Having a change of scenery (new van) could make you feel better for a short time but doesn't fix the problem of motivation to continue cleaning windows.

Transferring a system across from an old to a new van can be a right pain.

[Ched]

I have a 2019 Peugeot Partner with a 400lts tank, a Pure Freedom Elec reel, panther gutter vac and a small shelf/rack on the drivers side. While the payload is good at a little over 1000kg I don't have enough space left to mount a pressure washer and all the kit you need to carry. I have a small pressure washer, a Parker 6.5hp, 11L/min and that just fits with a hose reel and a few other bits and bobs.
If I didn't have the racking then there may be enough room for a van mount pressure washer but you might struggle to get that and a gutter vac in.
It is reasonable on fuel, I get about 35mpg but all my round is within 3 miles so van never gets warm - take it on a run every month or so. It is easy to park and decent to drive.

[deeege]

I’ve had Berlingos for years now and recommended them. 3 seats, easily fit a 500 tank, good payload and it’s just like driving a car.

Is that the older 1.6 or the newer 1.5 ?

The newer 1.5. Very good engines, plenty of pull so there’s no issues there even when fully loaded.

That was the first van I was interested in but then I read loads online about timing chains snapping apparently it's a common problem.

But then I guess if you google faults on any van there's always something.

Presuming they will be good on fuel ?

Do poles fit in or do you need to put them through bulkhead ?

I can’t comment on timing belt issues. I’ve had 4 Berlingos, 3 brand new and 1 a year old. Never had a timing belt issue or any other mechanical issue either.

I fit a 27ft pole in the back straight and anything bigger goes diagonal.

Decent on fuel, 48.8mpg over 10.4K miles so far this year.

Very underrated vans imo.

[zesty]

Don’t you do prsssure washing and gutter vac work Adam?

You need a medium size van like a custom. I 100% gaurentee you’ll find a berlingo to small. You also go  fishing and chuck bikes in the back? You need a transit custom or similar surely?


Not saying the Berlingo is a bad van, just talking size.

I can fit a 750l tank, 47ft poles, gutter vac, pressure washer and softwash machine in my transit custom. (Not all at the same time, though i could at a push) I also have room for tip runs, buying sofas or furniture etc. it really is a fantastic sized van.

[GAZZA B]

I have had 5 Berlingo vans, no problems what so ever. From my experience, the most important thing is to have a regular oil change. I too have the new 1.5 Berlingo and it is a perfect van for me. I get around 58 to the gallon. I do gutter cleaning to, I purchased  the shadow from guttervac systems and it fits in perfectly with my electric reel. I did get the top of the range Berlingo with all the toys, and as said its like driving a car.

[Scottish Cleaning Service]

I have a MWB Crafter but its too big for window cleaning. Its ideal for everything else and holds a triple ladder no bother. I have never gave the fuel consumption a second thought because I charge a premium rate in window cleaning. Lost a few customers who have saved £3 returning to a new Trad guy who has canvased the area.

[dazmond]

I'm getting rid of my van which is a citroen relay L2 H2. Reason being its overkill what what I need as a one man operation. Its pretty rubbish on fuel about 25mpg and it does annoy me with parking on some jobs. But also I use it as my only vehicle so on a weekend just nipping about to shops etc it is annoying to park.

Anyway I want to downsize but I can't decide between getting a really small van like a partner/combo/connect etc or a medium size like a vivaro/custom etc.

Obviously the smaller the van the easier to get about in and park and should be slightly better on fuel too.

But maybe I will miss the space ?

What do you guys reckon and if you where to get another van would it be same size you have or smaller or bigger ?

It will be just window cleaning so a 500l tank will be fine but i might want to van mount my pressure washer as well next spring.

I'd get two vehicles....a smaller van just for work and a different vehicle for leisure. Easier for claiming expenses and keeps your work and free time separate.

Ford connect L2 240 is the perfect van for me with 500l tank and hot water system. Poles fit straight in(25ft/47ft)without the need to cut into bulkhead.

For leisure time I'm currently driving a black Cupra automatic. I love it! It's a fantastic  small SUV. Just come back from a weekend in London in it. Nice drive and my missus likes it so uses it occasionally too.

[Stoots]

I'm getting rid of my van which is a citroen relay L2 H2. Reason being its overkill what what I need as a one man operation. Its pretty rubbish on fuel about 25mpg and it does annoy me with parking on some jobs. But also I use it as my only vehicle so on a weekend just nipping about to shops etc it is annoying to park.

Anyway I want to downsize but I can't decide between getting a really small van like a partner/combo/connect etc or a medium size like a vivaro/custom etc.

Obviously the smaller the van the easier to get about in and park and should be slightly better on fuel too.

But maybe I will miss the space ?

What do you guys reckon and if you where to get another van would it be same size you have or smaller or bigger ?

It will be just window cleaning so a 500l tank will be fine but i might want to van mount my pressure washer as well next spring.

I'd get two vehicles....a smaller van just for work and a different vehicle for leisure. Easier for claiming expenses and keeps your work and free time separate.

Ford connect L2 240 is the perfect van for me with 500l tank and hot water system. Poles fit straight in(25ft/47ft)without the need to cut into bulkhead.

For leisure time I'm currently driving a black Cupra automatic. I love it! It's a fantastic  small SUV. Just come back from a weekend in London in it. Nice drive and my missus likes it so uses it occasionally too.

R lass has just bought a new car so i can drive that....dont need another one really would be a waste of money, i just want a van for work/hobbies/tip runs etc

LWB connect does look a good size though

[Spruce]

I have paid cash for the last few used vans I have purchased.

If I can't work or can only do a little due to health and age related issues, then I don't have to worry about how I'm going to make the van payments.
So for me, I will continue with my 62 plate swb Boxer van for as long as I can. If something should happen to this van and I would need to buy another, I would probably seriously consider giving up window cleaning and retiring.