I'm new to all this and in the process of looking for a spacious vehicle like the Toyota Siena mini van and the Ford Transit Express to lug my trimline and bins of work to shows. What are you all using????
Best!,
Jim Neiss
http://jamesneiss.com
You need to be a member of Art Fair Insiders to add comments!
There's a completely redesigned Ford Transit Connect just released. It comes in two lengths. You can Google images for "Ford transit Connect".
I just went to the Ford website and did a "build and price" for an extended Transit Connect van. I threw everything I would want into it and the sticker came to under $27,000.
Also the Nissan NV200 is a small van. Next year Chevy is taking the Nissan NV200 and putting a Chevy nose on it. Again you can Google images of the van.
James Neiss > Chris HoytSeptember 10, 2014 at 7:45am
Clown car was the first term that came to mind when I saw the tiny, tiny wheels of the Nissan NV200 at the dealer. I do think the extended body Ford Connect looked good, but was never intending to buy new. I can't imagine either of those little engines lasting into the 200k range, but I'm going to look at that Ford Transit Connect Extended again.
Hi, Jim, I just got a (used) Chevy Traverse LT to replace a Jeep, and I love it! Loved the Jeep, too, but they are making them smaller these days. The Traverse has all the bells and whistles and is quite possibly smarter than its driver. I have a Trimline and bins of prints, cards, original paintings, etc. and it houses these all nicely, plus my hand cart. I can usually see using the rear view mirror. I don't trust just turning to check the blind spot due to the larger panels at the back of the vehicle, so I'm training myself to use the little blind spot mirrors that are part of the side mirrors. Works great.
Good luck with your shows!
James Neiss > Cindy SchmidtSeptember 9, 2014 at 9:29pm
Hehe... Cindy, I just out grew my Traverse, this is why I'm looking.
I'm using a Chrysler Town & Country minivan, based on it's capacity (same as the extended Dodge) and gas milage. The seats fold down into the chassis so it's easy to convert from passenger vehicle and art-hawler. For close stuff, I can fit 9 large Propanels, Trimline, all the art (photographs) including four foot canvas prints, a table or two, and a couple of folding chairs. It's worked well so far, but I'm sure I'll have the same experience as Robert posted and need to replace it before it hits 200k (I bought it used with the extended warranty at Carmax with 41k on it). I really miss my BMW though.
James Neiss > Victor CurrieSeptember 9, 2014 at 9:28pm
That is what I'm looking at this week. Found out my garage door is 2 inches too low for a regular van. I was looking at Toyota Siena's, until discovering the "stow and go" seats in the town and country and dodge grand caravans. If I can get past the bate and switch internet adds.
I have owned 6 vans over the years and my last 2 have been Ford vans. My current one is a E350 and my last one was a E150. A lot of choices are available but what you must decide is not only what fits your current needs but what will you need as your business grows. You don't want to start out with a vehicle that will not be sufficient in a year or so.
James Neiss > Greg LittleSeptember 9, 2014 at 9:34pm
Do any of you know of a small RV that has huge storage like a Sprinter/camper conversion? I saw a picture of one loaded with camping gear and bicycles, but it had a tiny kitchen, toilet, bed and awning. Imagine you could overnight behind your booth with it. :-)
Replies
There's a completely redesigned Ford Transit Connect just released. It comes in two lengths. You can Google images for "Ford transit Connect".
I just went to the Ford website and did a "build and price" for an extended Transit Connect van. I threw everything I would want into it and the sticker came to under $27,000.
Also the Nissan NV200 is a small van. Next year Chevy is taking the Nissan NV200 and putting a Chevy nose on it. Again you can Google images of the van.
Clown car was the first term that came to mind when I saw the tiny, tiny wheels of the Nissan NV200 at the dealer. I do think the extended body Ford Connect looked good, but was never intending to buy new. I can't imagine either of those little engines lasting into the 200k range, but I'm going to look at that Ford Transit Connect Extended again.
Good luck with your shows!
I'm using a Chrysler Town & Country minivan, based on it's capacity (same as the extended Dodge) and gas milage. The seats fold down into the chassis so it's easy to convert from passenger vehicle and art-hawler. For close stuff, I can fit 9 large Propanels, Trimline, all the art (photographs) including four foot canvas prints, a table or two, and a couple of folding chairs. It's worked well so far, but I'm sure I'll have the same experience as Robert posted and need to replace it before it hits 200k (I bought it used with the extended warranty at Carmax with 41k on it). I really miss my BMW though.
I have owned 6 vans over the years and my last 2 have been Ford vans. My current one is a E350 and my last one was a E150. A lot of choices are available but what you must decide is not only what fits your current needs but what will you need as your business grows. You don't want to start out with a vehicle that will not be sufficient in a year or so.
My wife's 2012 Ford Escape Limited
Who's using mini vans?
Do any of you know of a small RV that has huge storage like a Sprinter/camper conversion? I saw a picture of one loaded with camping gear and bicycles, but it had a tiny kitchen, toilet, bed and awning. Imagine you could overnight behind your booth with it. :-)