2017Vehicles and Mounts forum
Choosing a van for film equipment transport and occasional passenger use
What the thread found
- Van selection involves deciding on height restrictions that affect parking in multistory facilities, with models under 1.98 meters fitting in standard parking and taller models like the TrafficMaster or Sprinter allowing you to stand up inside but requiring pre-booked parking at venues.
- Turning circle varies significantly between van models and affects maneuverability in tight spaces, so this should be checked before purchase.
- In London, securing van parking in advance through venue security is more practical than searching for street parking on the day of a shoot.
- Petrol-powered vans may become more practical than diesel options due to potential emission charges in UK cities from 2020 onward, though all major van models were primarily diesel at the time of discussion.
- A small trailer towed behind a regular vehicle can be an economical alternative to purchasing a van for transporting modest amounts of equipment.
- Short-wheelbase vans like the Caddy offer a compromise between cargo capacity and ease of parking in standard spaces.
- A metal bulkhead between cargo and passenger areas provides safety protection if the vehicle rolls.
- Ambulance conversions provide excellent storage organization and easy loading systems, though this niche option requires finding a suitable used vehicle.
Depends on
- Discussion occurred in 2017, before any emissions policies were definitively implemented; the specific timeline and cost of penalties remained uncertain.
- Most recommendations were based on UK experience, particularly London work requirements, which may not apply to other locations.
- VW Transporter models discussed were only available in diesel configuration at that time.
- One participant claimed emissions issues only affected performance-oriented VW models, not transporters, but this contradicts established facts about the emissions testing practices.
- Specific vehicle model comparisons were based on individual ownership experiences rather than systematic testing.