Small commercial vans

Potential-Monke

I recently started a new job, a vanimal according to my mate. Basically driving around fixing things in shops. I've been given a 241 Opel Combo, paddy spec of course. I'm at it just over a month now, about 8000 kms done, and I have to say that I think this van wants to injure me.

I've nothing to compare it to in the same category as this is my first ever van, but im pretty sure it's giving me lower back pain. I've not had this pain before, and nothing else has changed other than going from sitting in an office chair all day, to sitting in this van most the day. I can feel it within half an hour now, and I had a 6 hour 2 way drive today and I'm not the best after it. Its because I'm basically sitting on the letter L with zero side support. I feel like a sharp right turn will send me to the passenger side.

Unfortunately it looks like all these types of vans are basically the same thing with a different badge/dash/wheel/lights. Aside from maybe the VW and Merc ones? Anyone else any experience of these things, or how to possibly make them comfortable to drive for extended periods? 1.4d 6 speed manual. Pain in the hole in cities and lacks the power for safe overtaking. Shocked its this bad for a new van, but I suppose this is what the cheapest gets you.

deandean

I've driven a few small vans and yes I never found them comfortable - cheap seats, and it's a killer that you can't recline the seat to take a short nap on a long day.

I had a bigger van (Renault Trafic) that was far better. But still you can't recline the seat..

goochy

I drive the sane van. And think it's fab . Based on a car and shows

Potential-Monke

I really want to try others but seeing as they're mostly all the same is there much point. Are th VW/Ford ones just as bad? Not a Ford fan in general, I think their modern cars are wake as shyte (thank you EcoBoom) but surely their work vans are better?

I'm sitting here waiting for a guy to come and I just can't get comfortable just sitting. Constantly moving. Tempted to just throw a bucket seat in, but that'll probably invalidate the insurance. The seats in my father's 1990 Liteace were more comfortable... or at least no worse anyway!

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122904054#Comment_122904054

Ford vans use wet belts so not much better than the Ecoboost engines

goochy

You must have a bad back or used to driving luxury cars . The combo is based on a car and as close to a car as you can get . I have only been driving one for last 2 months and can't believe how nice it is to drive and I have back trouble

Potential-Monke

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122905092#Comment_122905092

Never had back trouble before. I've avoided the usual suspects like children, excessive (or most times any) gym, heavy lifting, desk jobs, etc. That's why I'm noticing it so much. It's new to me.

And no way there's a passenger car with these letter L seats. There's zero side support. I'm 5'6" and average build so maybe I'm too small for it. My own car is a 2010 E220 coupe, so not fair to compare even with a 14 year gap and it being the base model. But my mother's 2013 Ecoboom has far better support than the Combo. Jesus my first car, a 1990 Corolla saloon was way more comfortable but closer in shape to the L.

Each to their own and all, but I wouldn't even consider these types of vans now if I had to get one for personal use. I get It's designed for every type of trade arse, but I don't even see upgrade options. My company don't realise this I assume, as they use Kia Ceed's in the UK.

goochy

A merc is a merc regardless of age

Luna84

Maybe try seat cushions for a while. If it's still bad just get a bucket seat and be done with it.

Shellfishfcuker

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122906950#Comment_122906950

How's the election going for ya?

User1998

Its very easy to swap the seats out on a Caddy van. You could see if the same can be done for an Opel. You might be able to fit a nice Insignia seat or something

Esel

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122907372#Comment_122907372

That's the way I would be thinking too. I can't see it affecting the insurance if all the fitting points, slider etc match up.

Having the original seat in nearly new condition would be a small advantage when selling too.