Van Driving - First Time

wndsr · 11 Mar 2014 at 10:35

In my infinite wisdom I have decided to hire a van to drive from Manchester to Coventry for the Multiplay LAN event in April. I've never driven a van before so am a little anxious about what to expect.

It's likely to be a Ford Transit 280 so not too big, but are there any key things I should do/know before setting off?

p1RATE · 11 Mar 2014 at 10:38

No, its much the same as driving a car.

You may even find it easier as the higher driving position is quite nice

toasteh · 11 Mar 2014 at 10:39

FWIW when I drove a minibus at uni it wasn't a million miles different to my mum's fiesta once you get used to the size difference. Biggest thing to remember is leaving enough space when turning left so you don't bump across kerbs (or people).

OhEsEcks · 11 Mar 2014 at 10:39

Aside from height, nothing really. It's just like a big car.

Outcast · 11 Mar 2014 at 10:41

You may well find yourself being buffeted by the wind more.

Be aware of the "bow-wave" when overtaking large vehicles. Your rear end will be sucked towards them as you clear.

On Holiday · 11 Mar 2014 at 10:42

Is the van just for you to LAN or are you picking others up too?

Just take extra care when reversing, that's all! Although it won't be too bad in a SWB Transit.

peterattheboro · 11 Mar 2014 at 10:42

A piece of ****.

Just make sure you check your mirrors when overtaking and take more care when reversing (obviously).

Why have you hired a van though? Surely you can get a PC into a car? Or are you sleeping in the van?

d_brennen · 11 Mar 2014 at 10:47

I drove a similar sized van (a bit bigger) last year. Again, first time in anything bigger than a car. Picked it up in the afternoon and the next day drove it 550 miles. No problems. Was actually a nice drive. As above, pay attention to where the rear wheels are when turning, as you need to leave more room to the curb than you are used too. I reversed parked the Renault Traffic lwb I had into a space about 10" bigger than the van. Was well pleased with myself

Windle · 11 Mar 2014 at 10:51

Mind the braking distance too, bit of a jump from a car to a tranny

wndsr · 11 Mar 2014 at 11:04

Thanks for the responses folks

Sounds like it won't be too much of a nightmare then.

I'll be travelling down with a pal and picking another up in Birmingham, at least by the time I get to Birmingham I'll have had plenty of practice

snips86x · 11 Mar 2014 at 11:05

Pretty much the same as a car. I spent a few years driving a Transit and I honestly loved it. I even managed a handbrake turn, but wouldn't recommend it

Reversing may take some practice though but assuming it has reversing sensors, it's just common sense. Well......maybe not for you hey Josh

d_brennen · 11 Mar 2014 at 11:06

Also take note of speed limits for non-car derived vans

https://www.gov.uk/speed-limits

Unlikely to get tugged for it though.

snips86x · 11 Mar 2014 at 11:07

d_brennen said:
Also take note of speed limits for non-car derived vans

https://www.gov.uk/speed-limits

Unlikely to get tugged for it though.

Good point, mine was limited to 72mph. I got 77 down hill

wingman · 11 Mar 2014 at 11:17

I had never driven a van before and had to jump into a LWB Ducato to do 350 miles in a day, the biggest car I'd driving up to that point was a BMW E46 Saloon and most of my miles were largely experienced with an Aygo!

However once I was in the van, I was absolutely fine and had no issues driving it. In some respects it's actually easier to waft around in (which essentially is one of the main requirements in a van, they are designed to be easy and intuitive).

You'll constantly be aware of the fact you're not in a 3m car and as such will drive to those conditions.

It didn't help that 5 miles after I was driving I was pulled over by Police for a routine diesel check. At that point in my five years of driving I'd never been pulled once. I couldn't figure out how to get the diesel cap open!

Officer: "Do you own this van?"
Me: "No..."
Officer: "Do you drive for a living?"
Me: "No..."
Officer: "Can you open the diesel cap please?"
*Fumbling around with keys for five minutes*
Me: "... no"

K.C. Leblanc · 11 Mar 2014 at 11:35

If you're pulling up at a junction (especially on that's at an angle) make sure you position the van so you can see traffic coming from the left.

Liquid_Entity · 11 Mar 2014 at 11:37

Windle said:
Mind the braking distance too, bit of a jump from a car to a tranny

you filthy *******

BennyC · 11 Mar 2014 at 11:39

Remember to make sure you're well clear of whatever you've over taken before pulling in front.

Hired a LWB van 2 years ago and almost got caught out a few times

Souleh · 11 Mar 2014 at 11:53

Push the gear stick down to engage reverse gear

mjt · 11 Mar 2014 at 12:22

Drive past the corner before turning.

4T5 · 11 Mar 2014 at 12:29

Don't forget to take a yorkie bar & your Rape kit.