Looking for pictures of Mini-Van setups

[hummingbird3d]

I have seen a few truck with their equipment all piled in - after all it is exposed for anyone to see.

Since I have a mini van (Mazda MPV) I need lots of ideas on how to put my 21" lawnmower, trimmer, hand or BP blower, edger and everything else that is needed. Yesterday I saw an elderly mans van, same make, but his equipment was just thrown on the floor where ever it. I wasn't impressed with how it look, except that everything fit and he can lock the equipment inside.


So if anyone can help out with pictures, I'd appreciate it especially if it include how to include a roof rack to carry stuff.

[mowerbrad]

I really don't think too many people use mini vans. There is a company around here that uses ford cargo vans, like the E-250's. I personally don't think that a mini van would be as professional as a truck. And if your worried about things getting stolen, just get lockable racks on your trailer.

[MikeKle]

This is a joke, right??!! I hope so! Ive never seen anyone using a minivan to cram mowing equipment into, however I have seen someone driving an old delta 88 (big hoopty of a car) with a 21" pusher stuffed into the trunk along with the homelite curved shaft trimmer and ryobi handheld blower hanging out of the trunk!! This is the same guy who advertises "Every yard cut for $10 I will admit,I didnt start out with a huge trailer filled with $10K mowers, but I at least had a truck and made wise purchases in the beginning to get me where I am at today. At least we can take comfort in knowing 98% of people who operate like this dont make it longer than a season or two. Sorry for being so blunt, but the truth is low-ballers hurt this industry and causes our revenues to get smaller and smaller, as well as our industry being number 2 in industries that the public doesnt trust or have much respect for.

[SamTheLawnMan]

[lifetree]

Originally Posted by mowerbrad

... a company around here that uses ford cargo vans, like the E-250's ...

I have seen this also ... it looks like it actually works !! They got a 36" WB into the van along with all the supplementary equipment and supplies that they need ... it looked like it works very well for them.

[cantoo]

The guy uses a 21" mower, just how big of a truck and trailer do you think he needs? I would suggest a F350 or 450 dually pulling a 28' gooseneck trailer. Maybe a cube van with 12' folding ramp on the back so he doesn't have to lift the 21" mower in? I would also sell the gaser 21" and get a diesel 21" so that you would only have to stop for fuel once or twice a season.
California mow, blow and go likely could use a minivan no problems. Here you would have a tough time finding enough small lawns to make a cent with a 21" mower. That being said our best paying account is mowed with a 21" mower, but it's only one lawn and no more like it. (steep hillside account that only a 21" will cut, $2 a minute but only 10 minutes to cut)

[yardatwork]

I have a guy in my area that uses a van and does only push mowing jobs...he also bags! Yep, he throws all the clippings into the van and loads up his push mowers. Personally, we chuckle at the idea. I do not think it looks professional, but it must work for him. There is always grass in the back of his van. There was also a guy with a Chevy Citation...mowers hanging out the hatch part and weed wackers hanging out the door windows...these guys don't last long in the business!

Trade the van in and get a truck and a smaller trailer.

[kaferhaus]

Solution = ditch the van.

Most potential customers once seeing your "rig" will politely blow you off.

[ALC-GregH]

What ever you do, make sure you get a license to pass gas.

[whoopassonthebluegrass]

Originally Posted by kaferhaus

Most potential customers once seeing your "rig" will politely blow you off.

Not true. There are a LOT of people who would perceive that as a sure sign of a bargain.

If this is a legitimate post, don't get a truck unless you have the cash to pay for one. I would assume you're the "weekend warrior" lawn guy, so you want to put as little into the business as possible until you're bringing in enough $$$ to justify upgrades and pay for them in cash. No doubt, there will be others, in debt up to their gills, who'll disagree with me... but they're the guys who think that image (i.e. a $40k truck) is what gets them business .)

Stay humble, sell YOU (not your car). As for how to pack your stuff in there... I haven't the foggiest.