vans less than 3.5 tons

[korky]

A few posters have mentioned they have 3.5 ton vans with ample payload, and so do I, but I use nearly all of it.
But be aware there are many 3.5 ton vans with very little usable payload. Criminal, but true and they're still making them.
This is made worse when buying, by the ignorance of the owners or dealers who neither know nor care.

I believe payload is an issue on your existing vehicle so tread carefully.
There will be plenty out there that will be fine, but get it weighed before you buy unless you know someone with identical model.

Won't advise on layout as that is a very personal thing and depends on how you use the van, hobbies etc.

Good luck with it. Korky.

 

[delicagirl]

i rarely spot sarcasm on this forum - i read things in a very literal way - nor do i want to engage with one member's issues with regards to another member.

Anyone who answers my questions - i thank - simples ! Some ideas i take on board, some i don't.

Payload - i learnt a great deal from my earlier thread and am now more aware than ever of payload and have made some hopefully significant weight reductions.

Japanese vans.... i would never agree to buy any van from abroad that i had not seen. Some of these importers-dealers want full payment upfront. i wont do that. Japanese-grey imports are hard enough to work out/work on as it is, without the risk of losing money to another shyster dealer as well !!! However, now that i know these makes i can see if any come up for sale in the UK. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[Wooie1958]

I would never buy a sub 3,500kg van because i wouldn`t be able to carry enough Carlsberg onboard :sad:

That was the main reason for uprating the GVW from 3,850kg to 4,100kg on my present van, now i`m happy :cheers: :dance:

 

[jagmanx]

Agreed

i rarely spot sarcasm on this forum - i read things in a very literal way - nor do i want to engage with one member's issues with regards to another member.

Anyone who answers my questions - i thank - simples ! Some ideas i take on board, some i don't.

Payload - i learnt a great deal from my earlier thread and am now more aware than ever of payload and have made some hopefully significant weight reductions.

Japanese vans.... i would never agree to buy any van from abroad that i had not seen. Some of these importers-dealers want full payment upfront. i wont do that. Japanese-grey imports are hard enough to work out/work on as it is, without the risk of losing money to another shyster dealer as well !!! However, now that i know these makes i can see if any come up for sale in the UK. Thanks for the recommendation.

If you want to change go to several dealers
1 you might pay a bit more
2 you may well get Part exchange
3 you will know exactly (or Nearly) what you are getting
4 Some form guarantee or comeback

 

[mistericeman]

Easily remedied .....drink Single malt ....;-)



AND Always Always Always support local economies by purchasing local beers on your travels ..

 

[trevskoda]

Del the iveco mobilvetta euroyacht 170a may be right for you,built on same truck chassis as my bus with a 2.8 turbo putting out 120 hp and built as well as any hymer ,can be bought from 8/14 grand or there abouts depending on condition.
Ci required but lots of room.

 

[mistericeman]

I've never had a 4WD motorhome, but I've driven plenty of 4WD vehicles. My first motorhome was RWD with twin back wheels, based on the biggest size of Ford Transit. It went everywhere: never a problem, even in sticky mud literally up to the axles: it just plugged through.

Next I had a motorhome on a FWD Peugeot Boxer chassis. That was useless. It would get stuck on damp grass. If there was a chance of rain, you had to arrange your exit to be downhill.

After that, another RWD with twin rear wheels. This time based on the biggest size of Mercedes Sprinter. Just as good as the old Transit. It never gets stuck. It is so good that it's a bit embarrassing being able to just drive out when every other person in the field needs towing off. In bad snow and ice conditions it's brilliant.

So what I'm left thinking is that RWD with twin back wheels is easily good enough. I would definitely not get a 4WD: the extra cost, extra weight, extra fuel consumption and "stiffness" are just too high a price to pay for better traction unless you need to drag boats up slippery ramps or something. RWD is good enough. Though maybe you do need twin wheel RWD..

As we have 5 series Landrovers and use them regularly Greenlaning etc.....

I'd fully agree that most rear wheel drive vans are a world apart from anything with front wheel drive....

Rear wheel drive with sensible tyres in winter at least will get you most places you want to go in a campervan.... if it gets really nasty consider a set of chains and know how to fit them.
with chains on all four wheels in the snow at least you can brake and steer....
more than you will be able to do with most 4x4s ;-)