I have seen all types of shoeing trucks, cars, and trailers. Lately my eyes have been coveting vans. I see them everywhere else electrician vans, plumbing vans, carpeting vans, on and on. Are shoeing vans at all common? Have any of you used a van or do use a van? I am really thinking of trying it out if I can find a good enough deal on one. Are there any major reasons that have seemed to escape me for the last fifteen years on why a van can't be used? I googled this beauty...so I know they exist, but they are not common, is there a reason for that?
The sprinters vans are becoming more commonly used. I kind of fancy a UPS style truck converted for the ease of walk in/out workshop. Doubt is wold b great n the snow we get up here though.
Personal choice. There are trailers too. Check out Stonewell bodies. I like my pick up set up so I can unload it. With the new dolly I just built. I can unload my whole kit, by my self, and roll the dolly out of the way and drive off empty in about two minutes. to reload, I push the dolly up to the truck and roll the kit back in, another two minutes.
My first rig was a van I used temporarily. If I was to get one now, it would have to have a sealed bulkhead to keep out the cold and hot, smell, flies, and noise.
I ran used VW van from 1972 to 1974; I was plating then so I wasn't hauling a forge/anvil or carrying a lot of weight. When the engine gave out and I bought a new Datsun, started doing more Standardbreds and farm work so on went a cap, forge, anvil, welding tanks and way too much inventory. Been using Datsun/Nissans ever since.
One of my clients is a senior fleet mechanic for Federal Express. When I asked him about the sprinter vans he told me he has nightmares about them while he is fully awake.
oh that right there is info to be stored for further reference, thanks that would be an expensive mistake!
Come to Denmark you'll find the majority of farriers use vans. I got a VW Transporter van and love it. Everything is in and covered.
I worked from a van in the early 80's. Main problem was two wheel drive, rear wheel drive. I just found a 4x4 pickup better for our winters. I'd do it again in a less snowy climate or with a 4x4 van.
Currently I am on the coast of Oregon, and snow is definitely a stranger here. I have seen some vans outfitted to take loggers into the mountains, bet you would love one of those Jack.
I would be happy to give you his phone number - he'll talk your ears off complaining about the issues he has had since they put them in the fleet.
I did 2 vans over a span of 12 years. Issues up here in snow country were lack of 4WD, flies, noise, smell from rear area coming into passenger compartment, no rain protection for rear doors. Now operating out of a toyota tacoma with farrier cap. Like it much better.
View attachment 3303 View attachment 3302 View attachment 3302 My van has the back lifting up to shield me when raining. Has a divider between the cab and back. I added the plywood to mount stuff on. Has good space for all I need. Front wheel drive, does great in the winter.
I googled shoeing van, follow the link http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o112/smitty88_2006/P1010008.jpg
No, just a standard spring. The van is a cargo van to begin with so I think it is a little beefer than a normal van. Here its called a "Transporter", I believe on your side of the pond its called a "Eurovan"