Work van recommendations

BENT_8 · 03-02-2022, 07:45 PM

So I've been in discussion with my employer with regards to upgrading our fleet of vans, he knows I'm a car guy and so I think he's looking to me to help him with the decision which I really appreciate.

We currently have a fleet of 3 Mercedes Sprinters and 5 previous gen Hiace.
The Sprinters are 2x LWB and 1x SWB, all we're purchased in the past 18 months and all 3 are absolute lemons.
1 came back from having a knock sensor replaced today and another has got a stuffed A/C compressor, all have sub 50k and whilst covered by warranty, the inconvenience is a big turn off.
The Hiaces are all well banged up and have racked up the K's, they need replacing as a minimum.

Obviously my first thought was Transit, I made the suggestion and he contacted his Dealer who informed him that they haven't seen a Transit in 3 months and aren't sure when they will, he was also concerned with the 10sp auto however I note that there is a 6A version available in LWB high roof.

He said he wouldn't even consider LDV.

He asked me if there was anything I'd like in particular, having driven both the old Hiace and the Sprinters and doing so in rural area's of high speed and many immovable objects, namely tree's, I suggested something with a bit more frontal protection as the Sprinter has.

He has a good relationship with a few Dealers and is arranging a weeks trial for me in both Staria Load and Hiace.

So the requirements are...
Must be one of the main players
Must be able to accommodate a standard pallet through the side door
Must have good payload
Preferably a bonneted style for added frontal protection

Thoughts and recommendations greatly accepted.

**DFB FGXR6** · 03-02-2022, 08:04 PM

We have a current model VW Crafter as our delivery van. It's a medium wheel base with the low roof and has a twin-turbo 2.0 and 8-Speed torque converter auto.

Best van I have ever driven with plenty of power, even when stacked to the roof with product. It also doesn't seem to lurch through corners, feeling very stable.

Franco Cozzo · 03-02-2022, 08:21 PM

I'm voting for the new Hiace, fits the bill and isn't European.

**DFB FGXR6** · 03-02-2022, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I'm voting for the new Hiace, fits the bill and isn't European.

Pity they discontinued the V6, I quite like the idea of dropping burnouts on deliveries.

Big_Daz · 03-02-2022, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I'm voting for the new Hiace, fits the bill and isn't European.

Yep, me to... Company I work for has hundreds of them all over Australia and they seem to be hugely reliable and resilient. We buy them outright, run them for 5 or 6 years and 500k km odd (they are on the road consistently 5/6 days a week) and the consensus is apart from servicing and normal wear and tear stuff they are pretty well faultless. 99% are the petrol variant with only a few diesels thrown in.

BENT_8 · 03-02-2022, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

We have a current model VW Crafter as our delivery van. It's a medium wheel base with the low roof and has a twin-turbo 2.0 and 8-Speed torque converter auto.

image

Best van I have ever driven with plenty of power, even when stacked to the roof with product. It also doesn't seem to lurch through corners, feeling very stable.

Hmm, interesting, I hadn't even considered VW.

As I do the country run and don't carry as much weight or volume as the metro guys, a MWB with GVM upgrade would be perfect.
Looks comfy which is important as I do anywhere from 250 to 400km a day everyday.
I'd need the bi-turbo for grunt up the hills, this also opens the door to the 4 motion option which would come in handy as I often find myself spinning the rear wheels of the Hiace's and unable to get up many steep rural gravel driveways.

I'll put this on the list and see if he has any contacts at VW.

BENT_8 · 03-02-2022, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I'm voting for the new Hiace, fits the bill and isn't European.

Problem with the Hiace is they dropped the roof height and the side door is narrower apparently.
I haven't sized it up personally but prior to moving to Sprinters they had the Hiace in for evaluation and it didnt pass the cut.

Would probably work for what I do as payload and space isnt as critical as it is for the metro guys but I get the impression he wants to replace everything and wants to stick to one brand if possible.

au2000 · 03-02-2022, 08:53 PM

Hiace.. son has the new model. Finds it more comftable n car like inside that the previous one, reckons once u turn off most of the annoying voice warnings is a good place to be

**DFB FGXR6** · 03-02-2022, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Hmm, interesting, I hadn't even considered VW.

As I do the country run and don't carry as much weight or volume as the metro guys, a MWB with GVM upgrade would be perfect.
Looks comfy which is important as I do anywhere from 250 to 400km a day everyday.
I'd need the bi-turbo for grunt up the hills, this also opens the door to the 4 motion option which would come in handy as I often find myself spinning the rear wheels of the Hiace's and unable to get up many steep rural gravel driveways.

I'll put this on the list and see if he has any contacts at VW.

It's very comfortable and feels very well made.

BENT_8 · 03-02-2022, 09:05 PM

Has the payload increased with the new Hiace though?

Yesterday I arrived at work to see they'd loaded a 1t pallet into my van and it was on the bump stops before I even considered putting anything else in it, pointed it out to the boss when he arrived and he said no way thats leaving like that and helped me take 300kgs out.
The Sprinters eat 1t pallets behind the bulkhead and you wouldn't even know its there.

Ben73 · 03-02-2022, 09:13 PM

Just buy a Hyundai Staria and be done with it

Swordie · 03-02-2022, 10:15 PM

I have a friend who drives the latest diesel Hiace around over long distances. He is very happy with it. It has good tech, fuel consumption and drives well.

Here's an article comparing some models.
https://www.carsguide.com.au/tradies...iace-lwb-80531

BENT_8 · 03-02-2022, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swordie

I have a friend who drives the latest diesel Hiace around over long distances. He is very happy with it. It has good tech, fuel consumption and drives well.

Here's an article comparing some models.
https://www.carsguide.com.au/tradies...iace-lwb-80531

Good write up, thanks.
They all have pro's and con's with the Transit coming out on top in the areas that would suit my needs with the exception of side door access, if it cant take a standard pallet through the side door its of no value unfortunately as the freight we move on pallets must be against the bulkhead for safety reasons.
These would make great tradie vans but when it comes to moving weight on pallet sized footprints they fall over, the Hiace in particular as it cant take one side or rear loaded.
I didnt realise they we're so limited in that regard, not even worth trialing them with that in mind.

Franco Cozzo · 03-02-2022, 10:59 PM

I'm a fan of the Sprinter, cut my teeth on those as an apprentice, comfortable to drive but all those Euro vans are ****boxes if you give them a rogering with big loads all the time.

The only benefit to the Sprinter is because of how popular they are and used by emergency services nationally, then live their second life post auction as a courier vehicle they are easy to get parts for and plenty of workshops are familiar with these big, comfy ****boxes.

I'd be inclined to go a 319 mid roof mid wheelbase, 3L V6 diesel variant, it'll deal better with loads.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Pity they discontinued the V6, I quite like the idea of dropping burnouts on deliveries.

Same here

BENT_8 · 03-02-2022, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I'm a fan of the Sprinter, cut my teeth on those as an apprentice, comfortable to drive but all those Euro vans are ****boxes if you give them a rogering with big loads all the time.

The only benefit to the Sprinter is because of how popular they are and used by emergency services nationally, then live their second life post auction as a courier vehicle they are easy to get parts for and plenty of workshops are familiar with these big, comfy ****boxes.

I'd be inclined to go a 319 mid roof mid wheelbase, 3L V6 diesel variant, it'll deal better with loads.

Same here

They are a great thing when they're going Franco, but keeping them on the road is the problem.
Looking at the model range it looks like we have 2 ELWB super high roof 517 models
Rear tyres are expensive
They eat brakes
A/C failed
Knock sensor failed
All with between 20-50k on them doing around 150k's a day.

Top_Ghia · 04-02-2022, 01:06 AM

I don’t mind the Transit but production has just about ground to a halt across the range. You’d be lucky to see one or two this year if you ordered them today.
Like all the euro vans they also rip through their brakes. We have one aus post contractor who didn’t make its first service before the brake wear indicator light came on. He wasn’t too impressed.

XR Martin · 04-02-2022, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Problem with the Hiace is they dropped the roof height and the side door is narrower apparently.
I haven't sized it up personally but prior to moving to Sprinters they had the Hiace in for evaluation and it didnt pass the cut.

Would probably work for what I do as payload and space isnt as critical as it is for the metro guys but I get the impression he wants to replace everything and wants to stick to one brand if possible.

Height is the same, it's only length that has reduced.
It's about 30cm shorter in the back, but nearly that much wider.

Work Horse · 04-02-2022, 09:20 AM

Go old school!

This example has the extra frontal protection

Sure there will be compromise, but 351 Clevo option!

Dr Smith · 04-02-2022, 11:15 AM

Having Sprinters mean I guess you don't need low roof height of the Transit Custom/Vito/Transporter etc...

I think your choices are:
Iveco Daily
Fiat Ducato
Ford Transit
LDV
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Peugeot Boxer
Renault Master
Toyota Hiace SLWB
Volkswagen Crafter

All the above come with rear wing doors and the Renault may still have a semi-automated manual..and that's what it is,...not a fan...and if you drive one try reversing uphill with a heavy load.

I think your biggest issue apart from fitting a non-negotiable need to fit a 116mm wide pallet through the side door is actual stock available or wait times.

au2000 · 04-02-2022, 11:22 AM

Renault... any van... run.....
3 at work.. constantly have at least 1 off the road at a time.. worst moment we had all 3 off the road with no eta for repairs.. hard to borrow vans from other areas to cover our shortfall.
parts availability non existent and unreliable.. worst bit.. ours are low k vehicles
My work is currently looking at sprinter cab chasis set up with a manufactured interchangeable pod for the rear moving forward.

Vesper Martini · 04-02-2022, 11:35 AM

Doesn't look like the Hiace got the 500NM upgrade that the Hilux got on the 2.8 Diesel

That would be a deal breaker

tbro4123 · 04-02-2022, 03:46 PM

I must have been lucky as our Sprinters have all been really good as far as reliability and warranty goes.

Main problems we have had has been clutches with new flywheels (but the vans are a min of 3400kgs all the time & have been known to tow buses on the flat

) alternator pulleys and a/c compressors caused by the alternator pulleys seizing up and destroying the compressor clutches. My van with 500,000ks

I've found that having a good relationship with your dealer and feedback to MB in Melbourne helps, something we found wanting with the VW dealer in Vic who would just say " bring it in and we'll look at it when we get a chance to". 5 breakdowns in 12 months and it was gone, who needs a breakdown vehicle that does?

Stay safe

Terry aka Tbro

chookaradley · 04-02-2022, 04:40 PM

We have 50 or so Mercedes Vitos. They drive around all day at or nearly at there maximum payload. They are all 22.1 4cyl diesel autos, all approx 3 years old. I have to say on the whole they have been really reliable and economical considering the weight they carry.

**DFB FGXR6** · 04-02-2022, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

I don’t mind the Transit but production has just about ground to a halt across the range. You’d be lucky to see one or two this year if you ordered them today.
Like all the euro vans they also rip through their brakes. We have one aus post contractor who didn’t make its first service before the brake wear indicator light came on. He wasn’t too impressed.

Big heavy vans with big heavy loads means heavy brake wear. Soft and dusty pads don't help either.

The Crafter's wheels are basically always black with brake dust.

This is what iron-removers were designed for.........

Trust me to inject some detailing content in a completely off topic way.

BENT_8 · 04-02-2022, 07:55 PM

Spoke to the boss about the Crafter this morning, he reckons they're just a Sprinter with a different badge but I dont think thats correct, they have a different driveline at a minimum.
Any thoughts on that?

Got back this afternoon to find a new Staria Load in the carpark ready for me to put it through its paces next week.
Still wont take the pallet that the metro guys require but may be suitable for what I do on my travels.

**DFB FGXR6** · 04-02-2022, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Spoke to the boss about the Crafter this morning, he reckons they're just a Sprinter with a different badge but I dont think thats correct, they have a different driveline at a minimum.
Any thoughts on that?

Got back this afternoon to find a new Staria Load in the carpark ready for me to put it through its paces next week.
Still wont take the pallet that the metro guys require but may be suitable for what I do on my travels.

The previous generation Sprinter and Crafter were based on the same design/platform. Current models do not share anything.

BENT_8 · 04-02-2022, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

Having Sprinters mean I guess you don't need low roof height of the Transit Custom/Vito/Transporter etc...

I think your choices are:
Iveco Daily
Fiat Ducato
Ford Transit
LDV
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Peugeot Boxer
Renault Master
Toyota Hiace SLWB
Volkswagen Crafter

All the above come with rear wing doors and the Renault may still have a semi-automated manual..and that's what it is,...not a fan...and if you drive one try reversing uphill with a heavy load.

I think your biggest issue apart from fitting a non-negotiable need to fit a 116mm wide pallet through the side door is actual stock available or wait times.

Roof height not really an issue for my needs but it is for the metro guys.

I hadn't even considered the Iveco, not a bad thing either from what I can see.

Agreed on wait times, they'd ordered a new light truck before I started in August and it still hasn't arrived.
Something to replace the Hiace that I use is probably of most urgency at the moment so that may simply come down to whats available asap, as for replacing the Sprinters, that may take more time.

BENT_8 · 04-02-2022, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

The previous generation Sprinter and Crafter were based on the same design/platform. Current models do not share anything.

Thats good to know, cheers, will pass that info on to him Monday.

**Giant Cranium** · 04-02-2022, 08:11 PM

Hiace. I’m no Toyota boi. But the new Hiace is good and so very ugly

I’ve driven and worked out of all the usual characters and the hiace is the one I would buy.

BENT_8 · 04-02-2022, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by au2000

Renault... any van... run.....
3 at work.. constantly have at least 1 off the road at a time.. worst moment we had all 3 off the road with no eta for repairs.. hard to borrow vans from other areas to cover our shortfall.
parts availability non existent and unreliable.. worst bit.. ours are low k vehicles
My work is currently looking at sprinter cab chasis set up with a manufactured interchangeable pod for the rear moving forward.

That was an issue for one of our Sprinters, put it in for warranty repair of knock sensor but there we're none in the country and no idea of when they could.
That was in late November/early December, finally had it fitted this week.