Driving a van [Archive] - Saxperience

Saxologist

13th March 2012, 19:58

Hey.

I recently started my new job, and I now drive a 2 litre VW Caddy (2010 plate)

It looks like this:
http://www.autoplenum.de/Bilder/P/p0508865/VW/VW-Caddy-1-2--2010-.jpg

I think its great to drive, but being a van, I can't see what's behind me

So my question is:

How do you park a van?

Or any advise on van driving would be excellent

TomT

13th March 2012, 19:59

You have to open the back doors x

Toms112

13th March 2012, 20:01

like you would a car using the two mirrors you have and some form of judgement if you have any....

OR

like most vans around me, abandon where ever you stop.

Toms112

13th March 2012, 20:01

Double post woo hooo

swampy

13th March 2012, 20:02

Has it not got reverse sensors on it??

Failing that looking At the rear bumper of most vans they go back until they hit something!!!

m11ler

13th March 2012, 20:02

Hang your head right out the window! I often do that in the saxo tbh, its just how i roll.

Edit- Just a thought.. but why do vans still have the central rear view mirror?

Moke

13th March 2012, 20:02

Just use the mirrors... Simple.

skidzVTR

13th March 2012, 20:07

use your mirrors :clapping:

Moke

13th March 2012, 20:08

Hang your head right out the window! I often do that in the saxo tbh, its just how i roll.

Edit- Just a thought.. but why do vans still have the central rear view mirror?

So you can see the load in the back?

m11ler

13th March 2012, 20:10

So you can see the load in the back?

Whats the point of that though? I think we should ask jay what he uses his for

Moke

13th March 2012, 20:11

Whats the point of that though? I think we should ask jay what he uses his for

When you go round a corner, your load can shift (hurhurhur).

m11ler

13th March 2012, 20:14

When you go round a corner, your load can shift (hurhurhur).

But dont vans often have a wall between the load and the cockpit anyway?
So surely the mirror is just showing the wall behind you.. which has usually been decorated with an england flag.. or some other football team flag/scalf/hi-vis jacket.

Saxologist

13th March 2012, 20:14

I do usually hang my head out, its not the most dignified way to start a job.

It hasnt got parking sensors, and it hasnt got a rear view mirror, it's also got a wall thing behind the seats, so poles dont poke you in the head. lol

Its quite a long van, where in a saxo behind you in only another 5 foot of car, I have another 10 foot.

saxo-parts

13th March 2012, 20:15

oh my life, trouble reversing a caddy lol. Sorry for my amusement but its hardly Quantum Physics is it?

Saxologist

13th March 2012, 20:18

smiith

13th March 2012, 20:20

Do you not know how to use your door mirrors? I only use my door mirrors to park a car, nevermind a van

m11ler

13th March 2012, 20:21

It is when i've only driven for 7 months, and had it for 2 days, thus why not saying 'Im a wicked van driver, how do I park it?'

Thats why I made the thread for advice in reversing/ parking a van, as you might have realized it is bigger then a saxo.

Did you search for a how-to guide first? Always use the search bar man, or you'll get moaned at. Also the van in the pic has a rear view mirror, which is why i questioned it fella. :y:

skidzVTR

13th March 2012, 20:21

oh my life, trouble reversing a caddy lol. Sorry for my amusement but its hardly Quantum Physics is it?

i drive coaches for a living . reversing a 15 meter coach is hard

reversing a caddy is so easy my dog could do it

blackie_2k5

13th March 2012, 20:23

As posted... Use your door mirrors... You mustn't have been driving long to have trouble parking a small van

Chr15

13th March 2012, 20:25

needs lowering

K17NEY

13th March 2012, 20:25

You'll soon get used to it, But as its a van and especially as its white you shouldn't have to reverse, Just abandon the fucker anywhere.

Saxologist

13th March 2012, 20:25

Did you search for a how-to guide first? Always use the search bar man, or you'll get moaned at. Also the van in the pic has a rear view mirror, which is why i questioned it fella. :y:

Ah cheers geez, I couldnt find a local picture of the van, but my one doesn't have a rear view.

And thank you for the 'Its not difficult' but as mentioned. I have only had it for 3 days, and if your not posting constructive feeback and advice then dont post.

PJN

13th March 2012, 20:27

As posted... Use your door mirrors... You mustn't have been driving long to have trouble parking a small van

Was petrified the first time I tried to park a Caddy, although that wasn't half as unnerving as parking a LWB sprinter (When the biggest car you'd previously parked was a 106 haha!)

saxo-parts

13th March 2012, 20:28

see the black thing on each door with a reflective glass on it? Right, as you are reversing check them from time to time, after learning to judge how long this huge road going behemoth is, and when the obstruction/small child/kerb/saxo appears to be getting close, slowly depress the pedal in the middle.

Saxologist

13th March 2012, 20:29

As posted... Use your door mirrors... You mustn't have been driving long to have trouble parking a small van

Only 7 months, and when you're used to a saxo, and you get given a van its quite a difference.

needs lowering

I asked, i'n not allowed to modify it :(

You'll soon get used to it, But as its a van and especially as its white you shouldn't have to reverse, Just abandon the fucker anywhere.

Cheers mate, I currently just chuck it into a parking space, and the arse sticks out a bit. As I drive it more, I will be more aware of the space, as i'm driving about 60 miles a day

Saxologist

13th March 2012, 20:30

Was petrified the first time I tried to park a Caddy, although that wasn't half as unnerving as parking a LWB sprinter (When the biggest car you'd previously parked was a 106 haha!)

Yeah, kind of the situation I'm in :)

see the black thing on each door with a reflective glass on it? Right, as you are reversing check them from time to time, after learning to judge how long this huge road going behemoth is, and when the obstruction/small child/kerb/saxo appears to be getting close, slowly depress the pedal in the middle.

Made me laugh tbh :y:

23carragold

13th March 2012, 20:31

..........

blackie_2k5

13th March 2012, 20:32

Was petrified the first time I tried to park a Caddy, although that wasn't half as unnerving as parking a LWB sprinter (When the biggest car you'd previously parked was a 106 haha!)

i drive a lwb high top tranny majority of everyday..i never had trouble with it lol..suppose i just do better at this sort of thing..xxl sprinters are fun..i think ive probs had every type of van poss at least twice lol..my van often needs repair :homme:

poor 08 plate has 160k on it now :(

shes going back soon.. getting a 5 tonne sprinter 4x4 beast :p

m11ler

13th March 2012, 20:32

On the subject of toasters, when did anyone realise that the numbers are a unit of time, and not heat?

citroen_saxo_vtr

13th March 2012, 20:34

Not all vans have the mirror. To be fair if you cant judge the rear of the van you shouldnt be driving it................ I drive a sprinter 313 and chuck it around in any tiny holes and sometimes use the mirrors but i can judge the rear easy, i can judge spot on.

23carragold

13th March 2012, 20:36

..................

TomT

13th March 2012, 20:37

On the subject of toasters, when did anyone realise that the numbers are a unit of time, and not heat?

Not on mine, mine never pops up. It's broke.

blackie_2k5

13th March 2012, 20:37

On the subject of toasters, when did anyone realise that the numbers are a unit of time, and not heat?

first time i used a toaster

MiniGibbo

13th March 2012, 20:40

What I tend to do is put it in reverse and reverse in..?

23carragold

13th March 2012, 20:41

............

citroen_saxo_vtr

13th March 2012, 20:43

I.E. be a normal fucking person.

I.E somebody that did driving lessons and passed a test to show that they can DRIVE vehicles safely also just to point it out REVERSE them to. :y:

23carragold

13th March 2012, 20:44

...........

steelo-VTS

13th March 2012, 20:45

You'll soon get used to it, But as its a van and especially as its white you shouldn't have to reverse, Just abandon the fucker anywhere.

very true :L

Moke

13th March 2012, 22:44

I've only been driving a van for work for a couple of months, but as soon as I got it, I could drive, park and manoeuvre (sp) it dead easily :y:

Viper

13th March 2012, 22:49

Driving a van like that will be fine.

I used to park long wheelbase Sprinters all the time when I was younger, before I even had a driving licence. It's easy!

Saxologist

13th March 2012, 22:50

Suppose it'll just take me some getting used to

JoeHindle

13th March 2012, 23:13

Suppose it'll just take me some getting used to

Won't take much getting used to really, parked my dads work vans when I was younger (Vito, lwb Sprinter, Transit beaver tail and a Transit Connect) Practise makes perfect :y: take it to and empty car park if you must and just park it until you get the hang of it...

Jay_

13th March 2012, 23:33

Saxologist

13th March 2012, 23:35

Yeah, i suppose i'll get more accustomed as time goes on

I think you only need two mirrors iirc.

JoeHindle

13th March 2012, 23:36

love driving my van

Not reading the thread. rear view mirror is a legality I think. But I snapped mine off accidentally... :S Reversing without one is easy, just judge like fuck and it's fine. My parking in the van is god like :cool:

You only need 2 mirrors legally. Either passenger wing and rear view, or both wing and no rear view, my mates 306 passed it's MOT with just wing mirrors

Steffrallye

13th March 2012, 23:38

you have to get out and push, that way you have a clear view. But make sure the windows down or you cant steer

Jay_

13th March 2012, 23:52

Yeah, i suppose i'll get more accustomed as time goes on

I think you only need two mirrors iirc.
aye you will do. I love and hate my van at the same time, you can have great fun, but its fucking slow
You only need 2 mirrors legally. Either passenger wing and rear view, or both wing and no rear view, my mates 306 passed it's MOT with just wing mirrors

yeah, turns out I was wrong. But maybe it's an IOM thing ;)

Saxologist

13th March 2012, 23:58

aye you will do. I love and hate my van at the same time, you can have great fun, but its fucking slow

yeah, turns out I was wrong. But maybe it's an IOM thing ;)

My van is faster to 60 then my saxo. 1.1 ftl.

Its more managable to drive I find, doesnt shake at 70+ and the steering is so light. Cup holders work, and smooth gear changes. Only thing is my tools are rolling around in the back. Might have to fix that soon. You also feel superior on the road, as you sit high. And when you let someone out they are genuinely happily suprised. Love it.

JoeHindle

14th March 2012, 00:01

aye you will do. I love and hate my van at the same time, you can have great fun, but its fucking slow

yeah, turns out I was wrong. But maybe it's an IOM thing ;)

You special boy :y:

My van is faster to 60 then my saxo. 1.1 ftl.

Its more managable to drive I find, doesnt shake at 70+ and the steering is so light. Cup holders work, and smooth gear changes. Only thing is my tools are rolling around in the back. Might have to fix that soon. You also feel superior on the road, as you sit high. And when you let someone out they are genuinely happily suprised. Love it.
Ratchet strap everything down! haha

Rogue_Shadow

14th March 2012, 00:04

* deleted - dopey iPhone *

Saxologist

14th March 2012, 00:05

You special boy :y:

Ratchet strap everything down! haha

Mirrors and judgement, never scrapped a van parking / reversing.
Also make sure to check if either of your mirrors are magnified.
Sounds daft but it threw me off when I had the mirror changed over. My passenger side is magnified, so things look closer than they are.
Only realised when I was on a dual carriage way :D
* l

Cheers guys :y:

Rogue_Shadow

14th March 2012, 00:07

CHIP

14th March 2012, 00:17

* looks in left mirror * " Get off my ass you stupid twat"
* looks in right mirror * " That's better "

LOL! I do that all the time. Our van is the opposite way round though, drivers mirror is magnified.

Saxologist

14th March 2012, 00:21

Mirrors and judgement, I've never scrapped a van parking / reversing. :y:
Also make sure to check if either of your mirrors are magnified.
Sounds daft but it threw me off when I had 1 shattered mirror replaced over. My passenger side is now magnified, so things look closer than they are.
Only realised when I was on a dual carriage way :D
* looks in left mirror * " Get off my ass you stupid twat"
* looks in right mirror * " That's better "
:wall:

Edit: ohh and if a space looks too small & your mind is thinking " I'll fit in that."
STOP
It's all lies!
There will always be someplace else to park :y:

This actually made me laugh.

On my home today, i reacted exactly the same... Hey, hey... why are driving so close to me (thinking its police) I decided to stay 5mph below the limit, look in my drivers mirror, much better....

It hangs out of spaces as well, not sure it thats a problem? But sure if you're in a crampt car park, the person opposite to you, will have a tricky time getting out?

I seem to have more road rage, I shout at people if they take ages to pull off from roundabouts, i'm not even in a rush, it just happens. I've also started listening to radio 1 a lot, it has one song every 10 minutes. But i just sing along anyway, and laugh at unfunny things. I think i'm changing.

CHIP

14th March 2012, 00:23

The Caddy hangs out?? It's only the length of a Golf isn't it?!?

JoeHindle

14th March 2012, 00:27

The Caddy hangs out?? It's only the length of a Golf isn't it?!?

They do a LWB version dude :y:

Jay_

14th March 2012, 00:27

The Caddy hangs out?? It's only the length of a Golf isn't it?!?

i was thinking that...my T4 rarely hangs out of spaces....

Saxologist

14th March 2012, 00:28

No, its 5m long. which is about 15 foot.

http://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/caddy-range/caddy-panelvan-maxi/specifications/

Click 'Size and Space'
then 'Dimensions'

Im not really sure what all the buttons do either. Im such a girl. lol

Jungle

14th March 2012, 12:00

Mirrors FTW

Nates-VTR

14th March 2012, 13:25

Mirrors as probably said above, nice van too there fairly comfortable too!

bonesvtr

14th March 2012, 20:45

i find parking vans easier than parking a car!:wacko:

seriously, i can easily chuck sprinters, iveco's etc (what i class as big vans) into a parking space but not always as confident in a car!

first thing i ever drove was a van when i was about 11 or 12, then spent up until i was old enough to drive and pass my test, driving vans quite a bit!

the first van i ever drove was a nissan urvan.....

looked like this but blue....and had a big set of rusty bull bars on the front!:P

http://imganuncios.mitula.net/nissan_urvan_for_sale_93467916989971928.jpg

devilsadvocate

14th March 2012, 21:13

Men don't use mirrors to park, we just know exactly what is around us and how far away we are from it ;)

Prickle

14th March 2012, 21:48

Not sure what the mirrors are for mate..

ed-bradley

14th March 2012, 21:56

Try parking a Renault Magnum, then come back and ask about parking. ;)

Saying that though, I mastered driving and manouvering a wank old Merc lwb van with a trailer on the back and skip wagons when I was 17.
Prefer driving them than my car, makes me feel cool..