Get that big job done with the Mercedes Toolbox van

by Keith Morgan on Thursday, March 9th, 2017

Pull up to any jobsite with the “Mercedes-Benz Metris MasterSolutions Toolbox Van” and get the job done.

That’s the boast of the Mercedes folks, who launched a concept version at the recent Chicago Auto Show.

Open up the side of the Metris van and the ultimate toolbox on wheels is revealed. It’s equipped with a wide variety of Ranger Design® and Sortimo by Knapheide® shelves, racks and removable cases. The Toobox van has enough storage, utility and capability to power through long hours on the job. A durable tile flooring system has been installed, which ensures grip for work boots and is easily removable for thorough cleaning.

 

 

A clear, plastic partition from Ranger Design® keeps the driver safely divided from the cargo area while also allowing for easy monitoring of the van’s payload. Unique wheels, finished in bright blue and silver, realistic toolbox latches and a handle on the roof compliment the special exterior wrap created for the Toolbox Van.

Built by RENNtech, it is based on the Metris WORKER Cargo Van and can carry a payload of more than 1,130 kgs and has a towing capacity of twice that amount.

The standard 2.0- litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, boasting 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Metris to accelerate to 100 km/h in about nine seconds. Power is sent to the Metris’ rear wheels for maximum towing capability and cargo hauling.

Mounted to the steering wheel are shift paddles—standard fitment on all Metris Cargo and Passenger vans—which allow the driver to manually change gears, whether in anticipation of a steep hill or to maximize their driving experience on a twisty road.

The Metris Cargo Van achieves 11.2/9.8L//100kms(city/hwy), thanks partly to the efficient

7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.

keith [dot] morgan [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

The Coolest Customized Ford Transit Vans

by Keith Morgan on Friday, October 30th, 2015

This shred-ready Ford Transit is modified with a custom boot dryer, snowboard rack, tuning bench and portable DJ booth to make snowboarding even more fun for its riders.

Chicago-based Windy City Limousine’s Ford Transit was converted by Battisti Customs of Elkhart, Indiana, to carry 13 passengers in luxury and style – with a wood floor, black leather couch-style seating and two flat-screen televisions.

 

 

North America’s best-selling commercial van offers 58 vehicle configurations with the introduction of a dual sliding door option for 2016.

And that enables owners to customize their vehicles almost beyond showfloor recognition.

The manufacturer has encouraged owners to submit pictures of how they have modified their vans and have received some examples of some very clever customizations.

For example, So-Gnar’s Creative Hub is a shred-ready Ford Transit and is modified with a custom boot dryer, snowboard rack, tuning bench and portable DJ booth to make snowboarding even more fun for its riders. “It’s an absolute dream of a creative hub that we can do anything out of,” says So-Gnar CEO Pat Milbery. (Check out the video: http://bit.ly/1LOZT38)

Chicago-based Windy City Limousine’s Ford Transit was converted by Battisti Customs of Elkhart, Indiana, to carry 13 passengers in luxury and style – with a wood floor, black leather couch-style seating and two flat-screen televisions.

Shultz’s Guest House uses its Ford Transit to transport orphaned dogs – sometimes from several states away – to a private 200-acre farm in Dedham, Massachusetts, where they are safe from being euthanized until permanent homes are found for them.

Still on the dog theme, Wag’n Tails Mobile Conversions in Granger, Indiana, converts Ford Transit vans into fully self-contained mobile pet grooming studios, complete with full-size tubs, hydro-massage shampoo systems, grooming tables, blow dryers, vacuums and fridges.

Nissan NV200: A Work Van with Contemporary Car Looks

by Ian Harwood on Monday, February 2nd, 2015

“With the addition of the NV, the NV200 and soon the NV200 electric vehicle, Nissan has become a force.”

The 2014 Nissan NV200 cargo van is a work van but you would never know it to look at it…

Looks

The NV200 has a very modern and European look to it. The signature Nissan grill, swept back front windshield, large side mirrors, and front windows that drop down low enough to make it comfortable to rest your arm. There are dual side doors that open and close with minimum effort, which is important when loading and unloading all day long. Large body panels in place of rear glass, which gives it an excellent location for signage. The rear features large 40/60 split rear doors and again these are easy to open and close.

In The Cab

Much attention was given to designing the cab for functionality and comfort. The driver’s seat is a six-way adjustable with manual lumbar and armrest with vinyl wear patches sewn in which is a nice touch. The centre console acts like a mobile office with laptop/hanging file folder storage, pen/pencil tray, CD holder, and dual cup holders. There is additional storage under the passenger seat in the form of a tray. In addition the passenger seat folds down to provide a worktop surface. AM/FM/CD with auxiliary input and two front door mounted speakers. There is an optional Nissan navigation system, Bluetooth, XM satellite radio, rear-view monitor, and telematics pre wiring so you can install GPS tracking to keep an eye on your fleet. There are 20 integrated cargo mounting points to attach shelving units so you don’t have to drill into the sheet metal. Floor mounted d-rings to help secure your load.

Safety first

Standard safety features include advanced airbag system, roof mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front occupant head protection, front seat mounted driver and passenger side impact air bags, vehicle dynamic control, and tire pressure monitoring system.

Roadworthy

I drove this vehicle downtown to pick up some parts and found it very easy to manouevre in busy traffic. The backup camera works very well and coupled with the side mirrors you can pretty much get into any tight area, with ease.

Verdict

Nissan has been involved in the work truck industry for a while now through products like the Titan and Frontier. With the addition of the NV, the NV200 and soon the NV200 electric vehicle, Nissan has become a force. Fleet managers and consumers all across the country are going to stand up and take notice.

NV 200 Specifications

Power

There is a 2.0 litre, 16 valve DOHC 4 cylinder engine, 131 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque with an Xtronic CVT automatic transmission.

Pump frequency

8.7/7.1 L/100 km (city/highway)

Warranty support

Basic coverage 3 years/ 60,000 km

Powertrain 5 years/ 100,000 km

Corrosion perforation 5 years/ unlimited km

Sticker price

NV200 Compact cargo $22,748

Contact: ian [dot] harwood [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

Ford Transit Connect the Office to Wheels

by Ian Harwood on Wednesday, August 27th, 2014

The popularity of the Transit has increased substantially its introduction thanks to its versatility and size…

 

 

The 2014 Ford Transit Connect is a multi-purpose cargo van that could be a great addition to any size of business.

Looks:

The Transit Connect looks small, but with 3,670 litres of cargo volume and rear doors that open 180 degrees (optional 255 degrees) there is lots of room for people and luggage. The cargo van version is available with no side windows in the sliding side doors and privacy glass in the rear doors. You can also order it with no side or rear windows.

It also lends itself to becoming an office on wheels. Ford Work Solutions is a system that runs Windows CE 6.0 designed to access an office workstation computer remotely to download customer information or view a work order or delivery invoice. You can send and receive text messages.

The Navigation screen pinpoints your delivery locations and the system allows hands-free calling via the Bluetooth. The in-dash computer tracks your tools through a program called Tool Link, by De-Walt. Using a radio frequency identification tag attached to each tool you can scan them as you load them into the van and know exactly what is on board and what you left behind.

In The Cab:

The driver’s seat is manually adjustable (six-way) with built-in armrest while the passenger has a four-way manually adjustable seat. Just like most cargo vans of today, the cab has the features once reserved for cars an AM/FM radio with a bonus CD player and audio input jack. Available SYNC system to make hands free calls, rear view mirror backup camera, reverse sensing system, forward sensing system, and a 4.2-inch productivity screen that keeps you informed on fuel economy numbers as well as towing information.

When you open the split rear doors, you get a true sense of this van’s functionality. The cargo areas floor to ceiling height is 150 centimeters and the width is 121 cm between the wheel wells. The load length is 184 cm and additional access is offered via the dual sliding doors. The cargo payload is an incredible 726 kilograms, more than some full-size pickup trucks. Optional second row, three passengers, split folding 60/40 cloth bench seat, and optional third row two passenger seating.

Safety First:

Standard front and side air bags will keep you safe in the event of a collision. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes and a tire pressure-monitoring system are standard. For security, Ford has developed a locking latch shielded door lock system to help keep your contents safe.

Power:

This vehicle is powered by a Duratec 2.5 litre four cylinder, mated to a six speed select shift automatic transmission. It puts out 169 horsepower and 171 lb ft of torque. There is also a 1.6L EcoBoost I-4 engine available with 178 horsepower and 184 lb ft of torque.

Roadworthy:

While driving this Ford Transit Connect you feel like you’re driving a 2WD Ford Ranger. You’re able to manouevre around vehicles in tight parking lots and park in small parking spots, the only difference is you have a walk in cargo box on the back. This van would be perfect to convert into a special purpose van; it would be easy to add a wheel chair ramp or a lift without having to do too much modification.

Verdict:

All though this van has been available in the UK for many years, it has only been available in North American since 2011. The popularity of the Transit has increased substantially its introduction thanks to its versatility and size. It is here to stay.

Pump Frequency:

9.3 L / 6.6 L/100 km (city/highway) 1.6 Litre

9.5 L / 6.7 L/100 km (city/highway) 2.5 Litre

Warranty Support:

3 year/ 60,000 km basic

5 year/ 100,000 km power train

24-hour Roadside assistance 5 year/ 100,000 km

Sticker Price:

XL Van – $25,754

XLT Van – $17,014

XL Wagon – $27,374

XLT Wagon – $28,634

Titanium Wagon – $32,054

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Contact: ian [dot] harwood [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

Car Review: Versatile Sienna is a Minivan in Name Only

by Ian Harwood on Thursday, January 30th, 2014

When I drove it I felt as if I was driving a cross-over, lots of room and power… (more…)