Van Vs Trailer

foster00160

I am a licensed remodeling contractor in Arizona and I just decided I needed more space to work out of and I know this question gets asked a lot, but deciding between a Ford E-250 van and a pull behind 12 foot enclosed trailer is a question I can't seem to answer. I know there is more cost involved in the van (license, insurance & maintenance) as opposed to a trailer and I need some input from contractors using both. Trailers are harder to drag around and park in a lot of instances but it seems to me that not having the extra expenses makes cents $$. It also seems it would be easier to set up a trailer and the ability to haul 4x8 sheets of material would be easier, loading 4x8s in a van with all the tools would be difficult at best. Help

AtlanticWBConst

Why not get both?

We use our vans on a daily basis.

We use our enclosed trailers on larger, lengthier jobs.

They are both handy to have...dependant on the particular project.

(FWIW: The last enclosed trailer we bought, was purchased used off our electical contractor. He was downsizing his personal vehicle set up: Pick-up and trailer, to simply a van. For what his needs are now, he likes the van.)

So it all really depends on the nature of your business, your average project type and scope. Amount and number of tools used on a regualr basis. The frequency of picking up materials and transporting them to your jobs, etc...

My vote, would be, to go with a van.
If you find you are still in need of additional room, add an enclosed trailer to your work fleet.

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AtlanticWBConst

BTW, if you go with a trailer (whether now, or later on )....I strongly suggest that you consider a 16', over a 12'.

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TileLady

I had to deal with that same question myself. I am a tiling contractor and was working out of a Honda CRV which got decent gas mileage but I quickly ran out of room. So my dilemma was to either get a cargo van (or mini van) or get a trailer.

In my situation, I opted for a 5x8 trailer and it's been very convenient and a smart decision. A van would never be as reliable as my Honda and I can leave my trailer home (or at a customers house when I need to). Granted, I only get like 11 mph when towing but I go on a lot of estimates and I get a lot better gas mileage with just my Honda (no trailer attached) than I would with a van.
Of course my trailer is only a 5x8 (I'd wish I'd gotten a bigger one) but most of my customers don't mind it when I leave my trailer at their house which saves me big time on gas mileage plus it's extra advertising.
In your situation, you really have to analyze what your needs are. What is going to be most cost effective for you is really what's key.

MinConst

I'm in a quandary something like yours. I have a PU and a 12' trailer. The trailer is nice and I have what I need when I need it. But I've been kicking around moving to a Van. Haven't made the decision yet. Trailers are not as bad moving around as you think.

Good luck.

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Paul
Minichillo's Construction
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bert0168

I used to have a Chevy C30 van. It used to be a pain to crawl into to get tools and sure I could carry 4 x 8 sheet goods but not very easily. Plus if I needed to carry more than 1 person they sat on a bucket in back (if there was room) which was uncomfortable and unsafe.

I recently switched to a quad cab PU and a 12' enclosed trailer. Best switch I made. I set it up so I can store some sheet goods and ALL my tools. As others have said, it's nice to be able to leave it on site if possible and it isn't as hard to tow and back into places. I haven't come across anywhere I can't take it yet.

Length is going to depend on what your needs are. I can permanently store all my tools in it except my tile saw. I still have a drop down work bench and plenty of room for sheet goods, doors, windows whatever.

I would consider a trailer you can stand up in without crouching, Also get one with a ramp door. Mine came that way as a mistake but I am glad I have it now. Makes it easier to get a hand truck into and I go in and out the ramp way more than the side door. It doesn't really need much more space for the ramp vs. barn doors to open when parked. Plus if you ever decide to sell it, it is something a landscaper might be interested in with the ramp.

wyoming 1

I have both and like atlantic I use my trailer on my bigger jobs I use to work out of just a smaller trailer and it was great back east but here we have a lot of gravel roads and cattle guards and it was next to impossible to keep everything on the shelves also In the winter we have a lot of snow so using a trailer all the time was not the best choice for us. The biggest benefit I like about a trailer is you can carry so much more stuff.