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Contractor configurations - Best way to sneak in 1-2 sheets of 4x8 sheet goods?


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Hi All, 

 

I run a side business of doing small home repairs and home renovations for people. I'm in Canada. My current vehicle is a 2010 Ford escape, but it's getting increasingly frustrating having to move materials around between different types of jobs. I'm contemplating a Ford transit connect, as the lower fuel costs compared to a truck are enticing. Here's a breakdown of what I want to provide permanent storage for:

 

-4x15" tool bags

-10" Compound Mitre Saw

-10" Table Saw 

-24" Tile saw (width is ~20", depth is about 30")

-Reciprocating saw, Right angle drill, SDS Hammer drill (boxes are about 24" long, 4" wide)

-various other small tools

 

My plan would be to have a fixed set of cabinets on one side, probably 24" deep, and running the full length of the cargo area.

 

Here's what I would like to temporarily store/move from time to time:

-Ladders (6-7ft long, ~24" wide)

-sheet goods (at most 3 sheets of plywood (max 5/8" thick) or 1/2" drywall. 

-12' length of 1.5" ABS pipe 

-12' pieces of trim

 

I would love some feedback on ways to arrange my storage that best allows me move my temporary things from time to time. I think what is going to be most challenging are the sheet goods...I have heard that the long wheelbase version might be able to support sheet goods standing up, with the front seat folded down. 

 

Thanks, Ivan

 

 

 

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I'm sort of the same situation as you, I just bought a 2014 TC long and I don't think you will have any problem getting most of that stuff in there except the 4x8 sheets.

4x7, no problem, inside wheel well to wheel well is like 4'1/8" with all the inside plastic protectors removed.

If you get the dedicated cargo van you could put a 4x8 sheet in if you prop it up on the top of the headrests but then everything else you're carrying has to move around it.

I could take pics if that would help.

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On 3/26/2023 at 7:57 AM, mrtn said:

Yeah, 4x8 not happening. I have a 1.5x3m trailer for sheet material and anything else oversize.

I have a small trailer also.Presently hauling next years firewood a third of a cord at a time.

With tools and misc odds and ends there's not much room inside a TC.

I also have a roof rack.

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10 hours ago, Fifty150 said:

 

 

How much weight have you loaded on the rack?

Just a guess,maybe 250 lbs and I would not recommend it.

The rack and the roof handled  it fine but the van felt top heavy.

I regularly carry a good sized Yakima pod while camping,occasionally a 17 ft canoe,framing lumber and sheet goods

(with a support frame) and ladders.

 

The biggest problem is the noise.

Edited by JackGrimshaw
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  • 2 weeks later...
On 3/24/2023 at 10:01 AM, skippyelwell said:

I'm sort of the same situation as you, I just bought a 2014 TC long and I don't think you will have any problem getting most of that stuff in there except the 4x8 sheets.

4x7, no problem, inside wheel well to wheel well is like 4'1/8" with all the inside plastic protectors removed.

If you get the dedicated cargo van you could put a 4x8 sheet in if you prop it up on the top of the headrests but then everything else you're carrying has to move around it.

I could take pics if that would help.

Sorry for the late follow up, life certainly got in the way. I'd love to see pics of your setup, if you don't mind. 

 

At the risk of getting thrown off the forum, do any other competitors fair any better for sheet goods? Ram Promaster City? NV200?

 

I'm keen on the Transit Connect though...'cause, well...my name. :)

 

Ivan Blackford

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None of the small vans, as best as I can recall, can actually fit a sheet of plywood between the wheel wells, laying flat on the floor.  Usually not enough room between the wheel wells, and the distance from the rear door to the seats is just shy by inches.   It seems like transporting 4'X8' building material is still something that you need a larger truck or van for.

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NV200 is nowhere near as comfy as the Connect or Promaster City. Awkward upright seating position and high center of gravity.

 

Promaster City's 2.4 liter Fiat engine has some kind of design flaw, some of them burn oil hard.

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On 4/6/2023 at 10:38 PM, iblackford said:

Sorry for the late follow up, life certainly got in the way. I'd love to see pics of your setup, if you don't mind. 

 

At the risk of getting thrown off the forum, do any other competitors fair any better for sheet goods? Ram Promaster City? NV200?

 

I'm keen on the Transit Connect though...'cause, well...my name. :)

 

Ivan Blackford

Sorry, when I posted the TC was bare and empty, now I've filled it with shelves and equipment.

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