Driving a van

[Thunderchild]

Hello All,

I'm being sent out tomorrow from Wellingborough to the other side of leeds (159 miles going around leeds rather than through it) in a transit van. The largest thing i have ever driven is my mondeo.

Does anyone have any tips for driving a van for one used to driving a car ?

[Thunderchild]

nope you can get 3 pallets in the van at least, it's the only available vehicle they have and I'm guessing that my own car insurance does not cover me to to the job in my own car.

I'd prefer a car but it's only a small company so they only have the one vehicle although all the so called important people have company cars so i could of gone in one of those but you won't get them having small metal items being packed (Air conditioning evaporators - lots of thin sharp peices of metal that cut)

[Rodge2]

You'll have no problem with it. If I can drive it and I'm very cautious, anyone can. The only thing I found a bit hard to get used to is the lowering mechanism on the drivers seat - if it's still the same - you sort of lower it in 2 stages front first then back or vice versa. Make sure this is adjusted properly before you leave, as I have frequently been teetering on the edge as it was too high. Good luck.

[TWR]

A couple of points Thunder, Van's can be caught by the wind! be aware of that, if you ever get to the situation that the van is all over the place especially on the Motorway & in the open, if you can to protect yourself in open spaces keep at the side if a HGV until you are clear of cross winds, on the point of the pallet that you are picking up, you did not state the weight! make sure you have the pallet slightly forward of the back axle, the police can detect a vehicle's over axle weight by looking at the rear tyres ( NO I am not joking) watch you braking as the pallet will only go one way! that forward, have a safe one.

[ChuckFickens]

"you did not state the weight!"

Yes they did.... 100-150KG.

[Thunderchild]

I'm "they" now - I'll be god next ;o) Thank you for your suggestions. All tips gratefully received.

I'm sure the police can spot an overweight or badly laden van, the rear suspension and the height of the body from the wheels should tell all

[AlBags]

Keep out from the LHS a bit .. common mistake when driving vans. Worst thing that can happen is the mirror breaks on a hedge!

[Hopkirk]

This is how it's done.

A woman driver overtaking motorcycles in a Transit.

(Not just any woman driver though. Respect to her)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KiC03_wVjc

[Postdog]

I live in Rushden. I'll help by staying in and sunning myself so there is less traffic around.

[Hopkirk]

Coward

[JonnyBoy12]

Yes, albags is right. Van mirrors stick a lot, and would cost a lot to replace. Do not expect to see any vampires in them though.

[ChuckFickens]

"and would cost a lot to replace"

They are surprisingly cheap as it goes, the glass is about £15 and the whole assembly about £50.

[JonnyBoy12]

I stand corrected then. Do not damage the mirror in a new Mini Cooper, as they cost £1,000 to replace. Can speak from experience here, I am sorry to say. On a lighter note see poem below:

A vampire considers buying a new mirror:

On
Reflection
No

[Thunderchild]

well what do you expect on a mini ?

It all went well I'm back and in one piece