Full Size Van vs. other vehicles - InspectionNews

Bruce Ramsey · #1 (**permalink**) 12-13-2007, 02:20 PM

I would like to hear from inspectors who have in the past or are using a full size van with graphics or lettering on the sides.

I don't need the space or capcity of the van for the tools I carry, but it seems it would be a traveling bill board. I would think it would fit with the percieved image of a home inspector and lend credability.

For those who use or have used full size vans with lettering, did you notice any difference in your volume or where your leads came from? If you did but do not use a full size van any longer, why did you stop?

Randy Navarro · #2 (**permalink**) 12-13-2007, 02:37 PM

I had a full size white Ford cargo van for 6 years w/ no lettering. I loved the space, but no seats.

I now drive a Chevy Astro with lettering. Much smaller but with seats for the kids. Gas mileage also sucks, btw.

I've gotten two calls: 1) one guy wanted an inspection that afternoon and wanted to know how much I charged 2) one guy called me and tried to sell me something.

I think the lettering's cool but wouldn't spend the money on it again, especially now when times are slow.

Jerry Peck · #3 (**permalink**) 12-13-2007, 03:34 PM

I had two Astro vans, then went to a full size conversion van.

Nothing was lettered, just liked the ride and, as Randy said, full use for the family.

In my last Astro van and the conversion van, I raised the floor up on 2xs so I could slide my Little Giant ladders in under everything else. Had to turn the back seat sideways, though, so I could still see out the back window.

Rick Bunzel · #4 (**permalink**) 12-13-2007, 04:42 PM

Given a choice I would go for a small wagon, crossover SUV or Honda Element.
I currently drive an Expedition and the room is largely unused. I have a Little Giant and Xtend & Climb so don't really need lots of room. I have no motivation to get rid of it as it is reliable and paid for. I will be migrating to a Subaru Outback wagon in a couple of years when my wife upgrades. I do have signage on the rear quarter glass. It cost me $100 to have the lettering done and looks good.

//Rick

Dan Harris · #5 (**permalink**) 12-13-2007, 05:38 PM

I bought a chevy hhr panel van in June
Lettering installed on both sides and rear window, cost me $400.
Since then I got 4 new home warranty inspections, from neighbors of other new homes I was inspecting, and 2 calls from realtors going down the road to schedule an inspection all due to the lettering.

Joseph P. Hagarty · #6 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 06:16 AM

The HHR Panel looks pretty good.

How is the interior configured?

Dan Harris · #7 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 06:23 AM

Flat floor from the front seats back with 3 storage compartments under the floor. The side doors open with a button on inside.
The best thing about it.. 28-29 mpg. city and freeway combined, 40 bucks to fill up, opposed to 75. for a full sized PU

Rick Vernon · #8 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 06:29 AM

I went from a full size Ford half ton with topper to a Honda Element. Easier to get to things and better configured than the full size. 21.5 foot ladder fits down the center inside, 2 12' ladders, tools, etc.
I like it better, I go further on the gas and the clients are amazed that it all fits.
Lettering on the rear window (removed wiper) and rear side windows just let people know who you are, very few calls but looks professional

Rick

Jim Luttrall · #9 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 07:42 AM

I have used a full size Chevy PU, Chevy s-10, Extended Astro van, Dodge Dakota and now a Scion Xb.
I bought the Xb for the novelty/marketing factor when I relocated and basically had to start over. It is as you mentioned, a rolling billboard.

Utility and fuel mileage were also factors, but on down the line from the novelty.
When I say novelty, I have an image of the fully lettered truck (not really a truck, but what else do you call it?) on my cards, web site and brochures.
I don't get many calls (but I do get some) directly from the truck, but I do get recognition.
"Oh, your the guy that drives the little box..." type responses when meeting people, etc.

I am fully satisfied with the lettering/marketing aspect as well as the usability factor of the vehicle. 30 mpg ain't too shabby either. Also, Fully loaded the price was less than $16,000 including roof racks and lettering.

It is much easier to work out of than the van, full size trucks, etc. The only thing that came close was my S-10 pickup with a topper that covered my tools, etc.

My only real complaint with the Xb is my choice of ladders has to go on top out in the rain and freeway muck, but I use the largest convertible ladder I could find.
If I used anything shorter, I would have it inside since there is plenty of room.
If you want to see it, go to my web site. Mr. Inspector.Net - Mr Inspector - Allen Texas - Allen

Scott Patterson · #10 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 08:26 AM

I have used an F-150 for about six years. I like the ride and comfort of a full size truck, but the gas mileage sucks!

I'm really considering moving to a crossover type SUV. The Ford Edge is on the top of my list. Lots of space in the rear; All wheel drive; Sits almost as high as my truck and most important is that my 6'2" 260lbs fits in it comfortably!

The hardest part of changing to a new vehicle is that I have not had a car payment for about two years!

Eric Barker · #11 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 09:26 AM

I started with Ford Explorers and they worked fine for many years. But spending so much time in them I began to feel cramped. Now I'm in an Expedition. And for the first time, I have all the options. I carry a lot of equipment which fills the truck and since the 3 ladders are inside they're always dry and clean. The one thing that I've gotten away from is keeping the outside of the truck clean - it's a bear to wash.

Since this is the only vehicle that I drive (non-work included) I didn't want lettering all over it. When we drive anywhere this is the vehicle we use. Like Scott, I don't fit well into smaller cars (like my wife's Toyota). While lettering is not essential, it does present well when you pull up to a job. Going out to dinner at the country club and pulling up to the valet says something else. But since I'm more of a Wendys junkie it doesn't bother me.

Rick Bunzel · #12 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 09:37 AM

Eric,

Why so many ladders? I built a box for my Little Giant and Xtend and Climb out of formica faced Masonite. I put velcro on the bottom and use a couple of bungees to keep it from floppy around. Ladders are stowed on edge so I can pull them out individually. It worked pretty well and even in panic stops ladders have moved much.

//Rick

Rick Hurst · #13 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 10:04 AM

If it only had a ladder rack.

Aaron Miller · #14 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 10:54 AM

I'm now 139,000 miles into my fourth Dodge Caravan. I drive them for 200,000 miles and then trade in what's left whether I need to or not. I get about 26mpg.

When my attorney, doctor, dentist, stock broker, et al. add lettering to their vehicles I will have two choices:

(1) Find real professionals to work for me, or

(2) Add lettering to my van - Nah, never . . .

Aaron

Scott Patterson · #15 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 01:01 PM

I have used magnetic signs for years and with great results. I can take them off when I have a job that I know the folks do not want other folks to know what is going on, etc. Yes, I know that many think they look cheap, but I really do not have a problem with that or have I ever had a person act like that when they see them.

Signs are very helpful when you are working and the neighbors call the police or sheriff's dept on you for being at a vacant home.

I would say that I get 10 or so inspection calls a year from the signs on my truck.

Eric Barker · #16 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 01:07 PM

Rick B.,

Some inspectors accumulate meters, flashlights etc, for me it was ladders. 11' for just inside, 17' for roofs and 22' for more reach. The 22 seldom gets pulled out but it has been useful though not for every single instance. I use to stack them on the driver's side but then thought that if I got rear ended really hard it probably would not be too good for me.

Rick Hurst · #17 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 02:20 PM

I have magnetic signs on my truck which I pull off and toss in the front seat every night to keep the HOA neighborhood patrol off my case. NO "work vehicles" can be visible at a home after 8pm. unless its an emergency repair.

As everyone else has mentioned I get several calls a year from someone you might mention they were beside me on the road or behind me at the drive-thru at the Whataburger and give me a call or to ask about something at their own home.

Having those signs can sometime be a hassle too. You have to be really courteous on the road or someone will call the number on your sign to complain about something. When I've gotten those type calls, I always thank them for letting me know and that I'm going to fire that guy when he comes in.

rick

John Goad · #18 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 03:50 PM

I prefer the truck, all tools are seperate from the cab & so is the noise that comes with them.
Besides the advertising & marketing that comes with the signage 100% mileage is deductible & I always hated keeping mileage logs

Rick Hurst · #19 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 05:30 PM

Careful writing off any vehicle lettered or not 100% unless you can prove you have another vehicle for personal use.

I've been audited before for this and it can be a pain in the arse to claim that you didn't stop once for something of a personal use. I now claim only 95% and have not had any issues in doing so.

The audit started out due to a high expense of fuel charges written off. Can you believe that?

rick

John Goad · #20 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 05:43 PM

95% sound good, I went through an audit a few years ago & will do whatever it takes not to have to go through that again.