Vehicle for handyman service

[dlminehart]

If you were starting an urban/suburban handyman service, which would you go with and why: pickup (with or without a workman's shell) or van? Would you add on a trailer big enough to transport 4x8 plywood as well as other bulky stuff?

[Uncle Cracker]

I'd probably go with a large work (no windows) van with pro shelving/drawer kit inside, roof racks and a good alarm. Also a towing package, so a trailer could be used when/if needed. A step-van would also be an option.

[radhak]

I have used both types of vehicles on loan from HD/Ryder etc. I found the van more useful : could 'stand up' stuff taller and have taller shelves - with more space; and best - enclosed area saves you from the elements, don't have to worry a shell.

[twistsol]

For general handyman type work, I'd go with a van; a van without windows isn't as attractive a target for thieves as a nice truck with good looking toolboxes on it. You need to lay it out for your tools the same way you'd lay out any workshop. They need to be handy, organized and accessible. Wasting time looking for a tool burns profit or wastes your customer's money. In urban areas, you need to think about parking and access. A van can give you curbside access even if some yahoo pulls up and parks a foot behind you on a city street.

To carry large materials, a good trailer is essential. Kitchen cabinets, shower stalls etc take up a huge amount of space and with either a van or a truck, you need to choose between materials or tools. A trailer only sucks up extra gas when you're using it and would then allow you to dedicate your entire truck or van to tools without having to reconfigure because you're carrying sheetrock today. It may also allow you to get away with a smaller vehicle which is more efficient when you don't need the materials capacity.

We use one like this ...

http://www.centraltrailers.com/trail...osed/1162.html

[cabinetman]

I would think the type of vehicle would depend on the extent of the services. I've seen box trucks loaded with different types of machinery powered by generator. Light repairs, like trim, or door installation a full size van could suffice.

Here is an interesting van set up for on the job. Starts on page 186 through 192.
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[eccentrictinkerer]

I agree with twistsol. A minivan works great. When I started my handyman service, 'Husband For Rent' 10 years ago, I used my Dodge Dakota. When it hit 160,000 I bought a Chrysler T&C van. I've taken the rear seats out and use bins for tools, parts,etc. I can carry 4 x 8 sheets if I slide the seats forward a bit.

Security was paramount in making the change. Thieves broke into the topper on my pickup and they made off with about $500 worth of tools. The van has factory blackout windows in back so it doesn't attract attention.

That's another reason, it doesn't stand out. Some suburbs of Minneapolis are tough on handyman. If work on a home exceeds $500 the city requires a permit, even if the job is only painting and re-shelving a closet! I try not to be a scofflaw, but some of my customers don't really want the city to be involved in minor repairs.

I get 26 MPG on the highway and 17 around town and the van is very comfortable for travel. My customers tend to be upscale and I've been lucky to get some jobs working on their summer 'estates' Up North. It's nice to work all day and hear the loons at night! The road trips are enjoyable even with a van-load of tools and materials.

[wardprobst]

I'll agree on the van suggestion, I do home service and for all the reasons above the van works. The only downsides I've found is climate control, ground clearance and towing capacity on the so called mini vans. I had a GMC Sonoma with a shell for a while and loved the quick heating and cooling, ground clearance and massive tow capacity. The security issues, difficulty of getting in and out of the cargo area and limited space ended up sending me back to a van. Your needs may differ but for me a van + available trailer was the best compromise.

DP

[eccentrictinkerer]

When I got my minivan I had a Class 3 hitch put on it because that's what I had on my pickup.

Bad decision. Must of added 100 lbs. to the back end and lowered my ground clearance. Class 1 or 2 is plenty good.

[crokett]

Eccentric, what kind of van? I put a class-3 on our Voyager to get the 2" receiver size and it didn't notice the weight, neither does our Honda.

[eccentrictinkerer]

Eccentric, what kind of van? I put a class-3 on our Voyager to get the 2" receiver size and it didn't notice the weight, neither does our Honda.

It's a Chrysler T&C. I didn't notice a difference, either, 'til I loaded it with about 600 lbs, of tools!

[cabinetman]

When I got my minivan I had a Class 3 hitch put on it because that's what I had on my pickup.

Bad decision. Must of added 100 lbs. to the back end and lowered my ground clearance. Class 1 or 2 is plenty good.

Not much difference in physical weight of a C-2 to a C-3. My Explorer came with a C-2. My trailer has a C-3 coupler. I just use a converter tube from a C-2 to a C-3. Or, Use the C-2 receiver and use a 2" ball (if that's what you need) on the insert for a C-2.

If the tongue weight is exceeded, it may be just a matter of shifting weight.
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[Tom Slick]

If I was looking at new vehicles my choices would be:

Ford Transit with a small trailer and a roof rack if I was planning smaller jobs. Most of your tools would fit in the van, you could haul lumber on the top and sheet goods or trash in the trailer as needed.
http://www.fordvehicles.com/transitconnect/

If I thought I'd be working on larger jobs, needed to carry a lot of stuff, and/or a larger trailer then I'd get a Dodge/Freightliner/Mercedes Sprinter.
http://www.dodge.com/en/2009/sprinter/

I currently help out a General Contractor doing semi-handyman stuff and I have no complaints about my F-150 with a big toolbox in the back and a set of trac-racs
http://www.tracrac.com/

[dbhost]

Depends on what sort of handyman work, and where. In an urban environment, I would want a good solid van like a Sprinter, or the Ford Econoline long wheelbase model, preferably with the PowerStroke diesel. While I don't make my dime doing manual labor type work, I have been known to do some volunteer construction, handyman, and computer network type work, usually in some nasty unimproved road type areas. My F-150 4x4 is fitted with a Delta Gullwing tool box. It has been more than sufficient for my purposes. A 16' x 6' cargo trailer (enclosed), gets yanked to job sites and houses tools, and sheet goods. Dimensional lumber etc... get hauled in the bed of the pickup.

[just started]

URBAN area around here you might want a Stryker, or maybe an Abrams.