HELP PLEASE

[bassbluestew]

Hi Guys,

Firstly, well done on a great forum. As a newbie I'm finding LOTS of really interesting and helpful stuff, all put across in a really cool way. No nasties on this forum !!

Like another recent poster, I am about to purchase my first Transit for my band, but before we take the plunge I'd like to sort out a few issues so we don't buy the wrong one. Jeez, there are a lot of different models to choose from.

We were looking at Hi-tops since most of the band members are just over 6ft tall, but would a semi do instead ?? How much taller is a hi-top than a semi ?

We've always assumed we'd be looking for a deisel, but we won't be doing a HUGE mileage, mostly just weekend work, however we will be hauling a full load. Would you think the 2.5 deisel is the best option, and would the non-turbo version be up to the job ?

Security, accepting that if somone wants in badly enough, then they'll get in, how would you recommend securing the van - you often see vans with huge locks on the back doors, but I'm sure there are more options.

I'd be really grateful for any help and suggestions you can give....if you think you know the ideal van then please shout out -especially if it's for sale !!

Many thanks
Stewart

[BigNeil]

welcome stewart to the forum

have you had a go a searching?

personally go for a high top- as i have a semi-hitop and it is murder rembering about the lack of headroom, especially at night when you are less likely to remember about the lasck of head space.

how much gear you are planning on carrying is the next question?

[bassbluestew]

Hi Neil,
Thanks for the quick reply and kind thoughts !

Haven't weighed out all the gear yet, but it's full backline, PA and lights. I think it'll put the Transit to a good test, so we'd be looking for the biggest, strongest we can get. Oh and as usual we want it for next to nothing with a 10 year MOT and unlimited road tax

I'm not too far from you btw.........in Balfron, north of Glasgow.

S

[BigNeil]

are you going to carry the band as well as a splitter van(double cab) may be better suited for you, or you could try a company called stagewheels.com who could carry out your needs !!!


also read the thread about the scottish meet and you will find there are a few more scottish people on here, some even closer to you than I am

[bassbluestew]

Thanks Neil, will do.

We don't intend to carry the band personnel .......so a splitter would often go unused.

Had a look at stagewheels.com, will contact them....oh it's a guy called Ne.......... Now waddya make of that

S

[BigNeil]

the next thing you need to decide is budget, take a look at autotrader van section and see what is about. because you are near Glasgow it will be easier for you to find a suitable one. I had to go south of Glasgow to find mine.

(stagewheels is mine)

tried Pm ing you but there seems to be problems this week with this.

if you need any further assistance get in touch

and let us know with pictures what you finally buy

[FredTransit]

as far as security goes, think about fitting deadlocks. As you say, nothing will stop the thieves getting with away/into your van, but you can make it harder and noisier. If you end up with a van with windows in the doors, get rid of them.

[bassbluestew]

Thanks for the useful info guys..................next week we'll be looking in earnest and if we find a suitable one we'll buy it.

We're looking for a hi-top,lwb, probably deisel, in good nick for around £2k just in case anyone in Scotland / Noth England sees one !!

Oh, does the hi-top,lwb count as a commercial vehicle ?? My mate at a local garage thought it might need a special MOT. Any info ?

As always, many thanks,
S