How A Conversion Van Makes Family Vacations More Fun (And Comfortable Too!) By Edward Jules Goodman

Family Adventures- Long and Short
Conversion vans are perfect for traveling whether you're taking short trips overnight or going on cross-country adventures. Day trips are a pleasure without the need for breaks to stretch your legs. Their plush seats and extra padding make them perfect for long-distance trips. The roomy interior makes them ideal for stretching out and relaxing, which of course makes for a much more enjoyable trip.
The conversion van allows people to go on very long trips without sacrificing comfort or amenities. Space is always very abundant because they are designed to be able to fit a large number of people with minimal discomfort. Darkened windows surrounding allow for maximum view while still blocking the hot sun so that the entire family is able to enjoy the majestic scenery along the way.
If you want a comfortable driving and riding experience, buying a conversion van could be the best choice for you.
Keeping Children Occupied
Custom vans are also perfect for traveling with children of all ages who need something to keep them entertained and busy during even the shortest car trips. The multiple laptop and mobile ports, Wi-Fi connectivity and many multimedia possibilities make these vans great for the family who wants to kick back and relax during the ride. Children who are occupied tend not to distract and annoy the driver, who can and arrive at the destination less tired and grumpy and more rested and happy. Customize yours to add plasma TV screens, a DVD player, streaming Wi-Fi, and any other feature you can name.
All-inclusive
The nature of conversion vans is they're adaptable, so you can customize them to fill any of your needs. They have vast interiors to accommodate any customizations and modifications you wish to add on to your vehicle. Custom vans for family vacations can even allow the family to forego expensive hotel fees by including a full size sofa bed that converts to a sleeper.
Hauling Your Car
Conversion vans allow you to travel and bring your car. A simple hitch and trailer can keep your car safe. This will keep the wear and tear down on your prize car as well as make transportation while at your destination much more efficient. Hauling the car without a trailer is also a possibility. This is all done while having a conversion van that can keep costs down because of the livable space they offer.
New or Used?
Whether you are interested in a new or used van, there are several dealers who can accommodate your needs. You can even order a new conversion van personalized to suit both your comfort and your style.

Classic Vans is a licensed and bonded dealer of used and new full-sized conversion vans and conversion mini vans. Over 10,000 satisfied customers have purchased their custom conversion vans from Classic Vans, and received delivery right to their doors. All conversion vans sold by Classic Vans are backed by a Certified Dealer No Charge Warranty

Getting the Best Out of Lowboy Trailers By Anil Mawani

Trailers are indispensable to transfer heavy cargo from one place to another. There are many different types of trailers available - each with a set of features that makes it suitable certain kind of task:

• Flatbeds trailers
• Drop deck trailers
• Double drop trailers
• Lowboy trailers
• Enclosed cargo trailers
• Livestock trailer

Choosing the right trailer for your use depends on what you are transporting, and so its best is to understand thoroughly what the trailer is capable of before making the choice.
Understanding Lowboy Trailers, and their key features
Lowboy trailers are heavy duty haulers that are especially used for cargo that is very tall. Using a normal trailer with these height requirements, would mean that they may not have the highway clearances. That's where these trailers come in handy. These have extra-low ground clearances enabling the tallest of cargo to be transported.
The following are the key features of lowboy trailers

• Low trailer bed height: They have a very low bed height enabling it to carry loads almost upto 12 feet tall. This is a unique feature of lowboys as others have a standard height of around 60-62 inches. Being so low ground ensures that equipment can be transferred with ease through all kinds of terrain - be it fields or highways


• Two drops: These trailers come with two drops in height to facilitate tall cargo. One near the gooseneck the other near the rear wheels.


• Heavy load carrying capacity: Lowboy trailers can carry loads upto 100 tons, making them perfect for large pieces of equipment like cranes.

The right trailer therefore must be chosen based on the actual requirement - type of cargo, weight of cargo, distance travelled and thereby extent of use. Other factors are the kind of terrain expected, and the ground clearance requirement.
The trailers today come in a wide range of colors and custom paint job - so you have the option to pick the one that appeals to you most.
Uses of Lowboy Trailer
They are designed to for easy loading and unloading of heavy cargo in all sorts of terrain. A number of options are available in terms of its size and weight capacity to suit various needs. Given the unique features of the lowboy trailer, they are extensively used in certain areas like:

• Construction: High-rise building construction sites need large equipment like bull dozers, cranes on site. Lowboy trailers are used to transport these safely to the location and back.
• Oilfields: Oilfieds have need large equipment like drill rigs to be transported in very rough terrain. Lowboys with their hardy build are well suited for all kinds of oilfields
• Farms: Farms need to move equipment like tractors around the fields or to nearby farms. These trailers can easily accommodate large and bulky machines and transport them
• Heavy equipment transportation: Lowboy trailers are helpful to transport any sort of heavy equipment within places like factories, mines, ports etc.

They are thus essential to have available wherever heavy duty large equipment is used. Without these trailers, moving the equipment would be next to impossible.

Heavy Duty Direct is a catalog of heavy equipment, trucks, trailers etc. We also sells lowboy trailers forklifts, Backhoes, Trucks etc in Alberta.

The Rules for Volunteer Drivers Driving a Minibus By Charles Ian Gray

A full car driving licence obtained after 1996 permits the holder to drive a vehicle with a maximum capacity of 8 passengers, providing the gross weight does not exceed 3500kgs.
There is a dispensation for a volunteer to drive a Minibus with a higher capacity of 16 passengers, providing the gross weight * does not exceed 3500kgs, unless the Minibus is modified for the carriage of disabled persons, when the gross weight may be as high as 4250kgs.
The definition of "modified for the carriage of disabled persons", has not been tested in the courts, but is generally held to be a Minibus modified for the carriage of wheelchairs. This should include an electro-hydraulic tail lift or a full width, folding ramp to provide wheelchair access. Individual channel ramps are no longer acceptable on a new Minibus. The Minibus will almost certainly feature removable track mounted seats to create space for at least one wheelchair, equipment to secure the wheelchair and occupant, and other features mandated by Type Approval regulations. The additional 750kg gross weight allowance is intended to provide for all the extra necessary equipment.
With the arrival of the new regulations in October 2011 the construction weight of basic Minibuses has increased, as has the required payload allowance per passenger. Only a very few models are available with 17 seats as a new Minibus with a gross weight of 3500kgs, and registered in accordance with the law.
Other conditions apply for volunteers: the driver must be at least 21years old and have held the licence for at least two years.
A volunteer making use of this dispensation may not tow a trailer.
This provision for volunteers may only be relied upon while driving in the UK.
Who can take advantage of the provision?
A qualifying volunteer is someone who drives a Minibus for a non-commercial organisation, for social purposes, who is not paid to drive. They are allowed to receive out of pocket expenses.
Many people taking advantage of this provision are teachers, where driving is not included as part of their contract of employment.
* Gross weight also known as Gross Vehicle weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) or Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM)
A vehicle's gross weight is shown on the chassis plate; also know as the VIN (vehicle identification number) plate.
A series of four-figure numbers are usually shown: these state the maximum permissible weight (in kilograms) on the front axle (axle 1); the maximum permissible weight on the rear axle (axle 2); the maximum permissible weight of the complete vehicle (GVW, GVM); the maximum permissible weight of the complete vehicle & trailer, when towing a trailer (Gross Train weight [GTW] or Gross Train Mass [GTM]).
The VIN or Chassis plate can be found on the inside of a front door pillar, on the base of the driver's seat or under the bonnet on the front closing edge. The VIN / Chassis number (vehicle serial / identification number) is usually displayed here as well. This same number will be recorded on the V5 log book, although the weights are not usually shown.

Who are Minibus Options?
Formed in 1986, Minibus Options design and build minibuses for organisations all over the U.K. We are experts in vehicle specification design and legislation and would be pleased to speak to you regarding your new Minibus.
To speak to a member of staff at Minibus Options and discuss all your available options please Call 01663 735353 or email schools@minibusoptions.co.uk or visit http://www.minibusoptions.co.uk/volunteers

Top Tips For Part Exchanging Your Van By James Herbert

If you are thinking of buying a newer used van, or a brand new van from any dealer, the option of part exchanging is a popular one. Exchanging your old van for a value towards your new van is often the easiest and quickest way to get rid of your old van, but not necessarily the most economical one. Indeed, you often won't get the true value of the van when you are trading it in. Compared to the value you could achieve selling your van privately, the dealer is unlikely to give as much as this and will need to make a profit for themselves. However there is an opportunity to make part exchanging work for you and we have given some top tips in how to get the best from the deal.
The biggest advantage of trading in your old van is that you won't need to go to all the hassle of selling it privately. This would involve advertising the car, dealing with interested parties, and dealing with the money aspect of the sale yourselves. You may need to put up with time wasters and those you are not actually interested in a purchase but will take up your time.Traceability on both parties must also be confirmed and all the correct paper work be filled in with no help from an expert. Ensuring the van is in good condition is often a lot more important when selling the van privately, as a private buyer is more likely to be put off from the sale if there is an issue which will need solving, such as a repair. If you do go down this route, then there are many good websites to help you advertise your van for a very reasonable price, some even offering their services for free.
As mentioned already, the biggest draw back to trading in or part exchanging id that it is likely to lose you money. Trade in prices are always lower than a private sale price. The dealer will need to make a profit from your old van, either by selling it on in their showroom or forecourt or else placing it in an auction where their profit is no guaranteed. So it's really a choice you need to decide on- whether the lower hassle or the money means more to you. The time involved is also an aspect to selling privately and often if you are in a rush to sell your old van, the trading option is a more desirable method.
If you are thinking of a part exchange then firstly, you must be the legal owner of the van and, as with a private sale, it's important to check all the paperwork you have for the vehicle to ensure it's all above board. These documents include the service history book and any receipts you have for the vehicle, all the MOT history and the V5C. Your drivers license may also be needed if you are trading in as this may be needed when you are test driving the vans on sale.
A dealer will give you a price based a number of factors, including how hard a bargain your "driving" to, how much the dealer wants to sell the new van in question to you, and the condition of your old van.
Checking the vehicle for damage and faults is an important aspect for any dealer when making their decision on the price offered to you. Ensure that the vehicle is as good as can be, checking that the tyres are in good condition and that the vehicle is clean, both inside and out and smelling fresh too. Usually you will get a better price for your old van if you are interested in a brand new vehicle. It is also up to you to haggle with the dealer and ensure you try to get as much as you can for your pocket.
Dealerships will always inspect your car; their technicians are looking for faults. The salesman needs to know how much they have to spend on your car; this will then reflect on how much they will offer you.
There is one more option that you may consider and that is selling to a website that will accept your car for cash. This is only really an option if you are not trading in and need cash urgently as the prices offered are typically very low.

Jamie Herbert is the techie guy at Van Parts 4U - The worlds Online Breakers Yard.

www.vanparts4u.com - Best Stock, Best Price, Best Service.

Key Information for Purchasing a New School Minibus By Charles Ian Gray

Are your minibus drivers volunteers? Why is this important?
A teacher can drive a school minibus on a voluntary basis, unless it is specified within their contract that they must drive the school minibus. If a teacher does not have a D1 entitlement on their driving licence, driving as a volunteer allows them to drive a vehicle with up to 16 passengers and a maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 3500kgs. If the teacher is contractually obliged to drive and does not have a D1 licence, they can drive a minibus with 8 passengers and a maximum GVW of 3500kgs.
What is Type Approval?
Vehicle Type Approval is confirmation that the vehicle meets prescribed safety standards. These standards derive from European Whole Vehicle Type Approval regulations (ECWVTA). The legal requirement came into force on the 29/10/2011.
All Minibus Options minibuses achieve Type Approval certification.
What is Payload?
A vehicle's payload is the amount of weight a vehicle can carry. The vehicle's payload is determined by subtracting the vehicles Kerb Weight from the vehicle's GVW. The amount remaining is the Payload. To meet Type Approval safety standards, a weight allowance of 71Kgs per passenger should be achieved.
What is a Lightweight minibus?
The aim of a Lightweight minibus is to maximize the number of passengers a vehicle can carry whilst being driven by a volunteer driver. To achieve the necessary 71Kgs per passenger weight allowance, a lightweight minibus will have fewer options and will use lightweight materials in its construction.
What are the alternatives?
If you have drivers who are driving as a volunteer and do not have a D1 entitlement, you have three potential options if you want to consider an alternative to a Lightweight minibus at 3500Kgs
· The same dispensation that allows a volunteer driver to carry 16 passengers rather than 8 also allows the same driver to drive a minibus with a gross weight of up to 4250kgs, where it is modified for the carriage of disabled persons. Such a vehicle, with 17 seats, has the potential of offering an extra 30kgs per passenger
· Start with a minibus at 3500kgs but reduce the seating capacity. Reducing from 16 to 15 seats will provide an extra 5kgs per passenger
· The gross weight of most 3500kgs minibuses can be increased to 3850kgs or 3950kgs, providing an extra 20+ kgs per passenger. However with this option all drivers would need to take a separate

Who are Minibus Options?

Formed in 1986, Minibus Options design and build minibuses for organisations all over the U.K. We are experts in vehicle specification design and legislation and would be pleased to speak to you regarding your new Minibus.

To speak to a member of staff at Minibus Options and discuss all your available options please Call 01663 735353 or email schools@minibusoptions.co.uk or visit http://www.minibusoptions.co.uk/schools

Reaping The Benefits Of Having A New Vehicle Through Van Leasing By Lauren Jurkovich

Three men walk into a bar: a Japanese, an American and a Frenchman...

Choosing the right van to lease and add to your business's fleet is no joking matter. As such, careful consideration is necessary so that you can get the most value for your money. For this endeavour, there are three brands that you should consider: the Japanese brand Nissan, the American brand Ford, and French manufacturer Citroen. Van leasing can be rewarding for you and your business if you take the time to research and study your options.

The Nissan Primastar has figured prominently among businesses that have opted for van leasing. This jack of all trades is versatile and can be used to service the needs of various businesses across a wide range of industries. This line of vans offers owners various options that can be tailored to their individual needs whilst boasting of a large storage space and several benefits to the driver and his passengers including comfort, visibility and good driving position. For these reasons, many businesses are on the lookout for Nissan Van leasing deals.

The Ford Transit has been a staple for British businesses, with the love affair starting as early as 1965 when the first of these vans started rolling out of Ford's plant in Langley. Dependability and economical features are some of the distinct advantages of a Ford. Van leasing is all about these and the Ford Transit adequately delivers both.

The Citroen Berlingo is one of the most popular vans in the United Kingdom - so popular that most van leasing firms ensure that they have adequate stock of the vehicle to meet the high demand. The French van boasts of sheer power and can haul goods as heavy as two tonnes. It doesn't hurt either that the van comes in more than 26 variations. This simply means that whatever business you are in, the Citroen Berlingo is up to any task. Van leasing offers businesses several benefits as compared to buying a new vehicle or purchasing a used one.

First, there is the number of models to choose from. Then, one can do away with the reality of depreciation that is usually associated with purchasing a new vehicle. Van leasing firms usually offer low monthly payment options as well as lower initial outlay which are particularly beneficial for businesses with a real need for a new vehicle to add to their fleet but do not currently have adequate finances. Also, when you find the need to upgrade your vehicle, you do not have to suffer the same hassles as selling your old vehicle as most leasing companies will gladly handle the job for you.

Van Parts - The New Ford Transit Custom By James Herbert

Ford have produced it's new Transit Custom and you could say that they have done a good job in the field of safety. They have recently earned a five star safety rating from Euro NCAP for this vehicle together with another of Ford's vehicles the Tourneo Custom.
The Ford Transit Custom did not only hit the ground running with it's safety scores, it's best in class marks for child and adult protection, but also it's safety features. Not surprisingly, this van achieved "International Van of the Year" for this year, 2013.
The technology available on this Ford van is second to none and hence why Ford also received seven Advanced rewards from Euro NCAP- the most to be received compared with any other vehicle manufacturer. Such technological advances include lane keeping alerts and SYNC with emergency assistance features. The lane keeping alert would vibrate the steering wheel and also sound an alarm on the display if it's detects the vehicle drifting out of lane. A very clever feature indeed. If you should find yourself in danger and need to call the emergency services the van will assist you and has the option of 26 different languages. It can pinpoint your location accurately and uses bluetooth to call the emergency services on your behalf.
It is true to say that car and van manufacturing giant Ford are pretty pleased with their new Transit van. It sets the standards amongst others in it's field. The van itself, weighing over one tonne, has a high strength steel structure which ensures it protects passengers if involved in an accident. It is purposely built with safety in mind. It also has a pedestrian friendly front end- ensuring that it's not only passengers that are protected, but also any potential pedestrians involved in a crash. These features are attractive to many customers- both sole traders and larger businesses and also fleet customers. The van was subjected to thousands of virtual crash simulations and more than 25 physical crash tests and came out on top despite being put to the test. It has been engineered specifically with a range of safety features such as an enhanced restraint system including curtain airbags for front seat passengers, the first transit to be developed with this.
This van truly sets the bar high and it's a pleasure to know that there are five star vehicles now available on the market of this size.
The Euro NCAP advanced rewards are a high recognition and Ford has achieved seven of these for their Transit Custom, even under heavy testing and scrutinizing.
Also to receive five stars is the Tourneo Custom, the latest eight-nine seat people mover from Ford. Again, the safety of this vehicle is outstanding and makes this vehicle an attractive purchase for both private and executive buyers.

Jamie Herbert is the techie guy at Van Parts 4U - The worlds online breakers yard specializing in Van Parts.
www.vanparts4u.com - Best Stock, Best Price, Best Service.