Setting up my work truck for Festool

[AlexThePalex]

Alex,

The dividers are installed as an aftermarket item.  Most company supplied work vans will have the dividers installed for safety and insurance reasons.  Private individuals who use vans for work may or may not install a divider of some sort.

Peter

I see. Cultural differences. Here the dividers come like that out of the factory, metal, and part of the body work. I think we haven't seen all open vans since the 80's. Here almost all contractors and people who do some sort of installation work drive vans. The vans all come standard with integrated  bulkheads and their back interiors are in many cases completely customised to hold tools and materials in a safe way.  

 

[Chris Hughes]

Here in the US most of us contractor types drive trucks.  I'm not sure why, maybe it is the negative connotation with the seedy behavior that goes on with vans. [eek] 

Last week the drive shaft in my truck dropped out and because it is a very long wheel base the genius'  at Ford came up with a part that can't fixed so it must be replaced.  So I am without, as it turns out, my most valuable tool for more than a week.  Man did I take my truck and it's setup for granted.  I am borrowing a friends truck until Wednesday to move my equipment about the three jobs I have open.

 

[Wonderwino]

Here in the US most of us contractor types drive trucks.  I'm not sure why, maybe it is the negative connotation with the seedy behavior that goes on with vans. [eek] 

Around here, the joke is that all you need to be a "carpenter" is a van & a hammer.  [scared]  Then, there's the Chris Farley syndrome: "you'll end up living in a van, down by the river!!!" 

 

[jvsteenb]

Around here, the joke is that all you need to be a "carpenter" is a van & a hammer. 

So you do have actual job requirements? You bunch of bureaucrats ! That sort of over-regulation will kill the free business spirit [wink]

Regards,

Job

 

[harry_]

wonderwino,

Is Tyvek (or the like) considered `approved siding`. Here in New Hampshire one would almost swear that was the case for as many houses as you see with that as the only exterior wall treatment for several years. Sometimes even replaced to go for several more years!

 

[chrisrosenb]

My mother was an ER nurse for part of her life. She told me about a couple of guys in an accident in a work van. The passenger was killed by a makeshift shelving unit and the tools it was filled with. Don't take this lightly, it is a real danger.     

In March my son was driving a mini van. He died in a head on crash with a large delivery truck.

Using your logic, I should not drive on a road that is traveled by vehicles larger than the one I am driving.
Also, people are injured or killed everyday by power tools. Yet almost every day you post here promoting the use of power tools. 

 

[Mac]

I think Brice was saying more that we should do what we can to minimise risks where possible, whether it's out on the road or in the workshop. Of course risk is always there, but there's no point in adding to it unnecessarily. 

For what it's worth Chris, I think of you and your loss very often.

Rick

 

[Brice Burrell]

I think Brice was saying more that we should do what we can to minimise risks where possible, whether it's out on the road or in the workshop. Of course risk is always there, but there's no point in adding to it unnecessarily. 

For what it's worth Chris, I think of you and your loss very often.

Rick

Yes, that's what I was getting at Rick. I think it make sense to consider minimizing risks.

Chris, I don't know if your setup is particularly dangerous, not necessarily directed at you. My comments are more of a general warning for anyone reading this thread.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

We like trucks.  It is easy to throw things in the bed.

I have not owned an actual pick-up truck in over 3 years.
I use a 3/4 ton gmc suburban with the 454 big block.

I like pulling things, cleaning it out and taking the family someplace in it and I also enjoy the occasional off-road excursion with it and my old 4runner.

It is dangerous just waking up at my house.  Dang 4 year old and 8 month old.

 

[AlexThePalex]

This post was deleted because those that do not live in this country have determined that it was showing an unsafe use of Festool tools.
As our President states every day, those people know the right way to do everything.
 

I don't think this was necessary or the proper way to respond to this.

 

[jmbfestool]

Those systainers in the back look nice if you have to make an emergency stop. [unsure] Looks like somebody needs a van.  [tongue]

It would be much safer to have a whole van load of tools behind you instead of a few stead of a few plastic tool boxes now wouldn't it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd assume most vans have some sort of dividing board between the driver's compartment and the back. But maybe we build vans differently over here.

Its called a Bulk head in England  Thin metal panel some with a little window in or maybe loads holes  or like mine  a solid panel.

http://www.roofrackshop.co.uk/bulkheads/bulkheads.htm

Every van must have one for many reason.  SAFETY, security stops people looking into your van and also gives you another side to create shelves for tools. Oh also if its cold  your van heats up much quicker instead of heating your entire van your just heating the cabin bit.

 

[Chris Hughes]

Why don't you guys use trucks there in Europe?

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Cost of fuel?

 

[Deansocial]

Why don't you guys use trucks there in Europe?

space and fuel. a van carrys more stuff

 

[Nigel]

      Certainly cost of fuel is big consideration for me.I get 50mpg plus from my van.I doubt I could run one those big suburban thingys for long [eek]    
     .Also have a steel bulkhead separating me and any passengers from potential projectiles.Not only that but some the places I work have interesting accessiblity so a                             monster truck is out of the question.  [wink]

 

[jmbfestool]

A truck is completely a waist of time in my opinion. Like people have already said  the fuel cost is much higher  also road tax in the UK for 4x4 and trucks is really high (My mums 4x4 road tax is more than 400pounds a year my van is 200 pounds a year). You dont have much space but also they don't have sliding side doors so its awkward to get to your tools right at the front which is wasting time and money. So really it just costs you a lot of money to own a truck(pickup,4x4).

 

[Deansocial]

A truck is completely a waist of time in my opinion. Like people have already said  the fuel cost is much higher  also road tax in the UK for 4x4 and trucks is really high (My mums 4x4 road tax is more than 400pounds a year my van is 200 pounds a year). You dont have much space but also they don't have sliding side doors so its awkward to get to your tools right at the front which is wasting time and money. So really it just costs you a lot of money to own a truck(pickup,4x4).

thing is jmb tax on a pickup is same as a van as it is a LGV you are right on the 4x4 tax tho

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I think a pick-up or a big suv is just an american thing.

I like my suburban, I liked all my other trucks as well.

I wish I could afford a Sprinter van, an AMG Festool version would be even sweeter.

 

[fredwis]

I also need my truck for the family.  My wife and I can only afford to have 2 vehicles, her Volvo wagon and my extended cab GMC as it has a back seat for our 2 kids.  It's all about organization with a truck.  I am getting ready to install a bedslide, once I have done that it's a new ball game!

I would love a Sprinter and am always looking locally just in case I stumble into a great deal. 

Fred

 

[Deansocial]

Why a sprinter? Going from a truck to a sprinter is a bit drastic, they are huge. I run a vauxall vivaro which is steady at 90mph full load and fits 8x4 sheets without a prob and a lexus is200 for family life