Fans of Vans

11 Cool Star Wars Themed Vans

2010-04-25T09:50:00.000+01:00

Showcasing Star Wars themed vans with amazing paint jobs. This first Star Wars van has to be our favorite but all of them are great efforts. The force is strong in these vans.

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Which is your favorite Star Wars themed van? Check out these following vans and let us know by commenting below which one is your favorite.

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Cool Surf Van

2010-04-23T01:16:00.000+01:00

How about this for a cool van for surfers.

5 Coolest Custom Dodge Vans Videos

2010-04-22T11:38:00.001+01:00

A collection of 5 cool custom Dodge vans videos featuring some extreme modifications and a whole lotta love from their owners.

Pimped Ice Cream Van

2010-04-22T10:55:00.000+01:00

Check out this cool pimped ice cream van. Wonder what tunes it plays?

Pimped Church Van

2010-04-22T10:46:00.003+01:00

Video of a church van pimped. It's a take off of Pimp My Ride but it's not really real, cool video though!

Cool Custom Japanese Vans

2010-04-22T09:49:00.000+01:00

Showcasing crazy but cool custom pimped vans from Japan. Man, they love their spoilers and I mean...really love their spoilers, they are more like wings than spoilers!

Police Pimped Custom Riot Van

2010-04-22T09:11:00.002+01:00

As pimped custom vans go, this is the coolest we have seen in a while with basketball hoops and mixing desk. MTV, EMI and the Metropolitan Police teamed up to produce a one-off show for MTVs Pimp My Ride. They had an old riot van donated by the Metropolitan Police and pimped it to house a top of the range recording studio and music technology centre. The vans interior includes a separate vocal and instrument recording booth, Pro Tools and Apple technology, and a high-quality speaker system.The outside boasts a motorized basketball hoop, built in plasma screen, and innovative ultraviolet graffiti wall. With such brilliant technology XLP will be able to further extend its support to school music departments, and run recording and podcasting projects in the community.

Pimp My Riot Van Videos

Police Van with Serious Sound System!

2010-04-22T09:03:00.002+01:00

Check out this brand new police van specially designed to tackle the boom boom drum 'n bass pumping out of the back of small hatchback cars circling your local town. From the shell of an expired "Arrive Alive" camera van and blinged up with the generous support of local automotive suppliers have created an awesomest set of wheels. The van is packed full of information and advice for young drivers and draws a crowd wherever it goes. Having assembled the curious (and jealous) spectators, the police can get some serious messages across. It also has the best sound system around! Check it out!

Cool Purple Camper Van Video

2010-04-22T08:56:00.000+01:00

Cool VW camper van with 4000w bespoke stereo. 2 DVD players, 3 LCD screens, lowered, cool purple repaint job, matching interior, EMPI-5 wheels, twin battery, mains hook-up.

Van with gas turbine helicopter engine !

2010-04-22T08:51:00.000+01:00

A cool van with a gas turbine helicopter engine. This was a little test run right before they ran a conservative 7.65 at 96 mph in the 1/8th mile.

VW Transporter vs Mercedes Vitox

2010-04-22T08:45:00.000+01:00

5th Gear presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson stages a cool shoot-out between two fast vans, the Mercedes Vito X and the VW Transporter Sportline

Nissan NV200 Pictures and Videos

2010-04-21T15:18:00.003+01:00

Showcasing cool pictures and videos of the Nissan NV200 awarded 2010 van of the year and also the NV200 concept van which looks amazing.

Nissan NV200 TV Advert

Nissan NV200 Interior Video

NV200 Concept Van

Functionality is the main motivator for buying and thereforE designing a small van, leaving it more or less as a box on wheels. Nissan is looking to revolutionise the small van market with their NV200 Concept van where function becomes the aesthetic, but beauty still lies in the eye of the beholder. The NV200 tries to combine the functionality of a van with the comfort of a mobile office.

The Nissan NV200 has been co-developed by Nissan Japan and UK offices with a specific target in mind, namely marine biologist Dr Alex Mustard's needs. The van uses a 2820 mm long wheelbase and is 1820 mm tall providing plenty of storage space. Nissan uses that space for a patented sliding cargo pod which extends from the rear. This pod has several storage units and allows for easy access when stationary.

When the pod is 'out', the interior of the van can be turned into a mobile office. A panel / desk folds down from the side of the van revealing two lcd monitors, the accompanying laptop sits in a shockproof suitcase underneath. Working light comes from a long narrow window above the monitors and a skylight in the roof. The inside end of the pod provides room for hanging some clothes and a drop-down sink, fridge and first aid kit.

The cabin is fitted with aluminium seats covered in washable contoured fabric also used in sport shoes, and offers large open storage spaces underneath the dashboard which light up when you reach down. Obviously Nissan could not mount a conventional rearview mirror, so Nissan instead mounted a small color TV monitor which is hooked up to a rear-facing camera normally used for parking guidance. The cockpit also features a skylight but with a wave pattern for diffused light. The interior is colored grey with acid yellow highlights while the exterior is also painted grey it has a non-scratch matt satin finish to resemble the 'toolbox' nature of the concept van. "We wanted to create a flexible toolbox for professionals," says Stephane Schwarz, design director of Nissan Design Europe.

Leaves us to wonder just how much you can store in the van while on the move? After all, the pod needs to go somewhere too. What what this van would cost to and van insurance would not be pretty with the gadgetry inside.

17 Ways to Save on Van Insurance

2010-03-04T10:16:00.000Z

Tips on finding the right van insurance at the right price. As all vans in the UK must be insured to use the roads, a big, competitive van insurance industry has sprung up to provide cover for these ever-present highway workhorses. But this competition doesn’t necessarily make van insurance particularly cheap. Therefore, before coughing up for next year’s cover, check out these tips that, with any luck, could help slash the costs of your van insurance.

But before doing so, it’s important to realise that getting the right price isn’t just about getting cheap quotes, it’s also about getting the most suitable insurance for your van. Therefore, these tips are also aimed at ensuring you remain adequately covered and protected against the most likely eventualities that may affect your van.

1.Increase your voluntary excess

In the event of a claim, voluntary excess is the portion of that claim which you agree to pay. Upping the excess will lower your van insurance premiums, but remember that the higher the excess, the more you’ll have to pay following a claimable incident. To learn more about voluntary excess, check out our article The Excess Factor.

2.Make your van more secure

There are several ways to help stop your van from being stolen or broken into, and each one could lower van insurance premiums. Security measures include fitting an alarm, immobiliser, tracker, teering/gear stick/handbrake lock, or getting the van security etched/marked, and parking your van in a secure location overnight, such as a secure car park or garage. For more on vehicle security, take a look at 8 Great Car Security Tips.

3. Prove you’re a good driver – declare any no claims bonus

If you have a proven history of claims-free driving, whether it’s for another company vehicle or for your own car, then tell the insurance company as they may rate you as a lower risk and reduce the premiums. Some van insurers will “mirror” an existing no-claims bonus (NCB) that’s been built up on your car – i.e. apply your car’s NCB discount to the van – resulting in cheaper premiums. It’s also worth finding out from the insurer if a letter from your employer confirming your safe driving history will lower premiums.

4. Build up your van’s NCB

If you’re unable to mirror your car’s no claims bonus onto a van, then start building one up from scratch. It’ll take a year to start reaping the benefits, but an NCB is a sure-fire way to reduce van insurance premiums. So once you’ve bought some cover, do your best to drive carefully and avoid any scrapes.

5. Don’t put points on your licence

Careless driving can result in points on your licence, and points will increase your van insurance premiums. Such things as speeding and careless driving can get you points, a fine, and even a ban (to learn more, take a look at Motoring Conviction Codes). Van drivers should also observe the vehicle’s safe towing weight limits, if pulling a trailer or machinery is a part of your job. So to keep premiums as low as possible, always drive carefully and within the law.

6. Pay van insurance premiums annually

Paying for your van insurance premiums for the whole year in advance rather than by monthly instalments is a simple way to pay less for cover. All van insurance providers prefer to have the money up front, and most will offer a discount in premiums if you agree to do so.

7. Use as small a van as possible

In general, the smaller the van, the lower the van insurance premiums. This applies to both physical size and engine size. If in carrying out your job you can get away with driving a smaller engine, short wheelbase van rather than a more powerful, long wheelbase model, then your premiums (as well as general running costs) should be lower.

8. Use a van insurance comparison site

Using an online insurance comparison site like Confused.com is a great way to find cheaper van insurance. You can quickly compare a range of insurance deals on one simple page, and you don’t just see the cheapest deals, you also see the deals that best suit your requirements.

9. Advertise your business on the van

Get a sign writer to paint your business name/contact details on the van. Some van insurance companies have realised that, statistically speaking, easily identifiable vans – i.e. those clearly marked with business names – are less likely to get into a scrape and are less likely to be stolen, which means they’re less of a risk to insure. Also, vans with “report this driver for bad driving” type signs could benefit from reduced premiums as, again it indicates the driver is more likely to drive carefully.

10.Accurately state your van’s mileage

As insurance companies figure that the more miles you do, the more likely you are to be involved in an incident, try and cover fewer miles in your job (if it’s at all possible) and enter this reduced figure when you next apply for cover. And remember to give an accurate annual business mileage when asked. Rounding up your mileage to the nearest hundred could push you into a slightly higher premium rate, so it’s best to be precise.

11. State the van’s correct use

Although this list is primarily for drivers who use their vans for work, if your van is for personal use, make sure you tell the insurer. Personal, recreational use is likely to be cheaper to insure than a van that is used for business reasons. In any case, it’s always important to give the correct use in order to find the most suitable type of van cover for your needs.

12. Be careful who you add as a named driver

Premiums will increase with each driver you add to the policy, but by adding a driver who is under 25 years old, or somebody with a claims history or points on their licence, the premiums could shoot up. Experience counts when it comes to cheap van insurance, so if you have to add another driver, try and find one with a clean licence and a claims-free history.

13. State if you’re a member of a trade body

It’s a little known fact that some van insurance companies will offer lower premiums to drivers that belong to recognised trade federations, such as the NICEIC, Gas Safe, Federation of Master Builders, Federation of Master Craftsmen, and the FPDC. So if you do belong to such a body, make sure you mention it when applying for van cover.

These tips will add to your premiums, but could save you £thousands in the long term

14. Tell the truth

When applying for van insurance, it may be tempting to tell the odd white lie in order to get cheaper premiums. However, as an insurance policy is a contract based on trust between the customer and insurer, always answer accurately, even if it means higher premiums. If you don’t, any later claim could be refused. Also, as lying on a policy can constitute insurance fraud, you could be prosecuted, future premiums could rise sharply, and you may even be refused cover altogether. In short, when applying for van cover, honesty is always the best policy.

15. Breakdown cover

If your van is essential to your business, you should factor in the potential loss in earnings that could occur if the van is off the road. Some van insurance policies offer breakdown assistance and a replacement vehicle for when the van is being repaired. Such breakdown cover options will increase van insurance premiums, but the cost could be far less than the loss suffered due to your van being off the road.

16. Protect your no claims bonus

Protecting the no claims bonus means that if you have to make a claim, you won’t lose your NCB – well worth considering if you’ve carefully accrued several years of claims-free driving. Many van insurance providers will offer the option to protect a no claims bonus, which will increase premiums, but could prove a smart move in the long run.

17.Insure your van’s contents

If it’s not practical for you to empty your van of its valuable contents (expensive tools, machinery etc) each night, then be certain to insure them. Again, it will increase your premiums, but it will be a lot cheaper than having to replace costly equipment. Courier drivers should also consider ‘goods in transit’ cover, which insures cargo that’s left in your van whilst you make deliveries.

Luxury RV Photos

2009-08-13T11:11:00.014+01:00

I see some excellent RV’s now and then but take a look at the following 11 photos of this dream RV that even has its own room to carry an onboard sports car. If anyone knows the makers or model of this vehicle, please let us know:

Sources: Slightly Warped

Latest VW Camper Van, Verdier Good

2009-08-12T09:37:00.000+01:00

A Canadian designer called Alexandre Verdier has totally revamped the cult classic VW Camper Van. The result is an impressive diesel hybrid which brings a whole new level to camping, not to mention this concept looks very cool. It uses the latest in green technology and is packed with lots of high tech gadgets.

Verdier has claimed that manufactuers are currently lined up to build the van and there should be a prototype making its debut on the road this Summer of 2009. It will be fully equipped with a 4-speed automatic turbocharged bio-diesel hybrid, so when its not’s running on electricity it will be running on recycled veggie oil. There is also an built in ‘Sun Tracker’ solar panel installed and hooked up to a GPS and onboard computer which will reposition the solar array accordingly for optimum charging.

"The solar array is one of the most interesting aspects of the car," Verdier says. "I am using a body design similar to that of the VW Westfalia so that I can maximize the size of the panels but still maintain a van that is compact and kind of like a small house." (Autopia)

There are so many features in the amazing vehicle I can’t wait to see the final specification before it is released. Nothing as cool as this is going to be a budget buy thought so if you are thinking of getting out your credit card you will be looking at spending around £80,000 on this current model. All is not lost though as Verdier has suggested there will be a more affordable model in the region of £42,000.

Stayed tuned for more updates on the VW Verdier, in the meantime, you will have to make do with staring at the pictures of this exciting new VW Camper Van or should it now be called the VW Elite Verdier Microbus?

Sources: Autopia, Images by Verdier, You Tube, Common Place Book

The Perfect Work Van Guide

2009-08-11T10:54:00.000+01:00

It wasn’t so long ago that vans were the true workhorses of the road. Abused, ignored, barely maintained and pounded for mile after mile, they gave everything until they conked out.

But they didn’t do a great job of looking after their occupants either: noisy, uncomfortable and as welcoming as a prison cell.

It couldn’t be more different today, however. Modern vans are styled without the use of a setsquare, packed with luxury touches like air conditioning and satellite navigation. And with the latest generation of diesel engines, they’re economical and good fun to drive too.

1. Citroen C2 Enterprise

Best for: Package delivery drivers

At this end of the scale it’s all about keeping costs down, and the C2 Enterprise has it licked. Based on the thrifty C2 passenger car, the Enterprise can manage starship distances on just one tank of fuel thanks to the super-frugal 1.4-litre diesel engine.

It’s near the front of the pack in terms of cheap van insurance, and it’s also one of the cheapest to buy in the first place.

2. Ford Transit Connect

Best for: Plumbers

The Transit name has become synonymous with the world of vans. It’s a pretty generic term but the smaller Connect model, that wears the legendary badge, is an absolute gem.

For starters, it’s square, which means plenty of usable space and the ability to fit racking on the inside too. There’s a healthy choice of engines, with three diesels and one petrol to choose from, helping to keep costs down. Even better, the cabin is nicely laid out and it drives very well indeed – some of the Ford passenger car magic has rubbed off on the commercial side.

Ford’s wide dealer network should also make it easy to get hold of a bargain. The credit crunch means there are some great deals available at the moment from most manufacturers. If you don’t have the cash to hand, why not consider a vehicle loan to give you the leverage to broker an even better deal.

3. Vauxhall Vivaro

Best for: Builders

When it comes to full-size panel vans, you need a good engine, plenty of space and a tough cabin, and it’s all in the Vauxhall Vivaro. A new engine range appeared three years ago, bringing extra grunt and making it a surprisingly rapid machine. It comes in all the combinations you could need, with two wheelbases, two roof heights and two payloads, as well as the option of dropsides and double cabs.

It’s also something of a handsome beast. Despite not being in the first flush of youth, the Vivaro still looks sharp and manages to avoid the ‘wind-eroded breezeblock’ style that so many big vans are saddled with.

The icing on the cake is the running costs: expect good fuel economy and long service intervals, with cheap van insurance too.

4. Land Rover Freelander 2

Best for: Vets

If you need commercial amounts of space plus the ability to cross difficult terrain, it makes perfect sense to choose a Land Rover. The commercial version of the Freelander 2 retains the modern exterior design, with smart, blacked-out windows at the rear to hide the contents of the load bay.

Underneath, it’s sophisticated too. Go for the higher spec XS model and you get the fiendishly-clever Terrain Response system, which should keep you going in all conditions, as well as luxuries like climate control and parking sensors.

It’s still practical too of course: with a rubber-lined load bay and lashing points, it’s sturdy enough to cope with the toughest of jobs.

Sources: Confused, Net Car Show, Apollo Chariots, Autonet, Avis

VW Camper Van Wallpapers

2009-08-10T17:10:00.000+01:00

Check out some of these cool VW Camper Van wallpapers:

Sources: Urban Mainframe, VolksWorld

Van Scrappage Scheme Guide

2009-08-10T14:25:00.001+01:00

If your smokey old heap rattles rather than roars and takes a while to get going in the mornings it may be time for a trade in. But at a time when every penny counts, is a new van really affordable?

Help is now at hand - thanks to the government’s scrappage scheme. So what is it and what does it mean for your old van? Confused.com finds out.

What is the scrappage scheme?

Anyone who wants to trade in a vehicle that’s 10 or more years old gets £2,000 off the price of a new one. The £300 million scheme applies to cars and vans and began on May 18, 2009. It will continue until early 2010.

Is your old van eligible?

If your van meets the following criteria, it’s eligible for the scrappage scheme:

Weighs no more than 3,500kg

Is first registered on, or before, August 31, 1999

Is currently registered with the DVLA in your name and has been registered to you for at least the previous 12 months

Has a British address on the registration certificate

Has a valid MOT certificate when you order the new van

What type of new van can you get?

If your old van fits the bill, now’s the time to start shopping. But before you find the right one for you, check the manufacturer is participating in the scheme. The current list includes: Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Isuzu, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault and Renault Trucks, Vauxhall, Volkswagen and Iveco.

To qualify for the scheme, your new van must also:

Weigh no more than 3,500kg

Be first registered on, or after, May 18, 2009

Be new at first registration in the UK with no former owners

Be built to British specification

Be registered to the same name as your old van

How do I participate in the scheme?

If your old van ticks all the boxes, and the new van you have your eye on is part of the scheme, simply speak to a participating dealer. They’ll verify the vans, take care of paperwork and arrange for your old smokey heap to be sent to the scrap yard.

Why should I buy a new van?

Go green: Modern vans are more economical and environmentally friendly. This means you’ll save money and do your bit for the environment.

Get high-tech: There’s the benefit of modern technology. Your new van could come with: sat-navs, air conditioning, fancy stereo, ESP stability programme and better security. This last point could help to drive down the cost of your van insurance.

Nissan NV200 Concept Van

2009-08-10T11:19:00.002+01:00

The NV200 is aimed towards small business professionals that are constantly on the move. The shape of the vehicle seems pretty square and boxy which can make it look a bit like a toy, but it is not so far from the truth when we see what is inside.

Inside boosts some serious high tech equipment ranging from allocated storage space for specific equipment types to a full computer work area. This particular build was supposedly built for a professional oceanic photographer, which is probable why there are so many gadgets and gizmos inside.

Nissan’s Press Release for the NV200:

“Another world premiere is the debut of the passenger version of the forthcoming NV200 line-up. Designed to offer accessible, practical family transportation, NV200 is a three row vehicle, with sliding side doors for easy access to the rear. The roomy interior can be configured differently to accommodate up to seven occupants and is designed to be flexible, comfortable and convenient, with lots of storage space, which is essential for large families on the move.

The van and Combi versions will be introduced at a later date.”

Interior Video Footage:

Sources: Zer Customs, Auto Blog