[Jason Atwell]

Hi, im after some thoughts and hopefully advice?

Currently work out of a car boot, 90% traditional, when i use wfp, its through a di bottle, as we have a decent tds on tap water round here.

What i want is a van, but i cant justyfy a normal van at the moment, as i would then still need to run a car for familly and personal usage.

So iv been looking at what i call dual purpose vans like this fiat doblo!

Does anyone else run a wfp system out the back of one of theses or similar?

Obviously i would be limited on tank size, but not to much of a problem as all my work is in a 4 mile ish radius of my house and i would only be 50 /50 trad/wfp?

Any thoughts and ideas appreciated
thanks jason

[TVCS]

I have a vw transporter.

 Its an ex AA van so it has seats with belts in the back already fitted.    Then I have a 500lt tank and all the other bits and bobs.   
Got it for £4500 on a 52 plate.   
The best van I've driven.   2.5 tdi it is quick and has adjustable rear suspension, which you can inflate at the garage so if you are carrying a full tank you can pump it up a bit, but to be honest you wouldnt raelly notice when it has 500lt in it.

The seats are completely removable without spanners and then you have a full van space to fill.

Ant
TVCS

[see clear lee]

all depends on how many seats you are looking to free up mate , ive a doblo van with two seats with a 400ltr tank as like you all my work is local and its just a case of popping home for a refill if needed , then youve the citroen dispatches with 3 seats aswell as the big vivaros ect

[Richard Holt]

not sure about the doblo's, i've never been in, driven or even known anyone with one.
however, i've had a berlingo for over a year, and i know quite a few people who have the multispace berlingo, which is a similar model to that picture you've posted.
brilliant vans!
couldn't fault my berlingo at all.
i've just traded it in for a bigger van and i'm already having headaches with the new van.

[lippy]

the problem with the doblo you are looking at,is the space
between the back seat and the back door,there is only room
for 250ltrs and a hose reel.so when you need to cary more water
witch you will thru time tou need to fold the seats up then you can carry 400ltrs.
then you cant carry any back seat passengers.

[Dean Aspects]

I have a vw transporter.

 Its an ex AA van so it has seats with belts in the back already fitted.    Then I have a 500lt tank and all the other bits and bobs.   
Got it for £4500 on a 52 plate.   
The best van I've driven.   2.5 tdi it is quick and has adjustable rear suspension, which you can inflate at the garage so if you are carrying a full tank you can pump it up a bit, but to be honest you wouldnt raelly notice when it has 500lt in it.

The seats are completely removable without spanners and then you have a full van space to fill.

Ant
TVCS

TVCS
Do you have any pics as i am looking at the transporter and would like to get one with seats in the rear but was wondering how much room/payload was left
Would you be able to get a 650 ltr tank in?

Dean

[TVCS]

 I went for the 500lt tank as when the seats are in it, my  tank needs to fit between the wheel arches.  the 650 lt tanks were too big.  But I didnt really look into it very much.  So there may be some tanks of that size that would fit.   

My brother has my digital camera at the moment but I'll get some measurments for you.

[TVCS]

there is 1220mm between wheel arches and approx 1300mm from rear of seats to the back doors.     Off the top of my head I aint sure of the dimensions of a 650lt tank but will look at gardiners website.

[TVCS]

standard 650lt tank  H.   1010
                                 W.   575
                                  L.   1250

[Dean Aspects]

Thanks mate

Dean

[Jason Atwell]

the problem with the doblo you are looking at,is the space
between the back seat and the back door,there is only room
for 250ltrs and a hose reel.so when you need to cary more water
witch you will thru time tou need to fold the seats up then you can carry 400ltrs.
then you cant carry any back seat passengers.

250 litres is ample for what i need,

anyone who runs this sort of setup, what do you do about leaks and drips etc, presume sit the set up in a large drip tray which can be emptied, as obviously the backs of these vehicles are carpeted.

Also does anyone have a picture of a set up in the back of one of these combi vans!

cheers jase

[cvdewsbury]

berlingo multispace is ideal until you decide on going fully wfp...why not try one of those 4x4 with the twin cab a little more expense but will be able to carry more weight.

[Jason Atwell]

In the area i am, you would struggle being fully wfp, so i think i will always be partially trad. lots of terraced withh back alleys, alley gates locked gates etc etc

[Ian W]

Trad only at the moment, but just about to venture into wfp.
Use a Berlingo at the moment, which is great. I would recommend one to anyone who wants a small van/car combination.
I wondered how much water you can safely carry in 25 litre containers?
I was also hoping to strap a 125 litre tank into the back using cargo straps. The straps will hold in an accident, but will the cars anchor points? 

[cvdewsbury]

all i need to carry is 2 or 3 max 25 ltr containers thats with the trolley empty..so I,m happy with  that, anything more substantial I would need to look at alternatives.

[macmac]

A plus point with the doblo is if you're not vat registered the combi version is no dearer than buying the van once you've added the vat.

Tony