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Hello everyone, I'm planning a start up by the end of the summer and would like to know what size and make of van a working locksmith would recommend?

PS by far the most informative locksmith forum online. cheers everyone 

Depends what your budget is, new or used etc.

Ford Connect - nice, reliable and room enough.

If your going for a van you don't need anything too big. As Dean says Ford Connect etc size is ideal for a mobile locksmith.

You may in time upgrade to a larger vehicle as many locksmiths use them as a mini workshop when on site, key cutting, lock repair etc. Saying this, when you first start there's nothing wrong with a car, whatever the size. I know locksmiths that have never had the need for anything but a car as it serves the purpose for the services they offer.

Obviously though, it doesen't look as professional as turning up in a nice sign written van, but you even have to think about the pro's and con's of that as well, sign writing that is.

I must admit i drive a vito every day  and if i was starting up and had the money then that would be the choice for me,only set back is service intervals i think its 10k, and if your a self employed person then that is a day not working,some of the other lads at our place have the connects,they are very happy with them plenty of room air and plenty of ford dealers if things go wrong con,etc plus if i am right sliding door on each rear side for better access,hope this helps.

cheers all, thanks for the advice. As I said the most informative forum there is.  I'am considering leasing a van as it seems pretty cost affective and worry free. Also, have you found yourself's adding any additional security to your vans for when you have to leave it parked up on a job? I appreciate that last question might be asking to much so I won't take it the wrong way if you tell me to mind my own. Thanks again

Any additional security/locking is a good idea for any trade related vehicle, though, these days the preferred method is simply taking the whole vehicle!

The harder you make it for them, the more likely they are to go elsewhere?

Thanks again everyone.  Very much appreciated

Berlingo 800.

Good reliable van with plenty of room.

The Berlingo 600 is not so good room wise.

VW Transporter T5 174bhp

Although i'm not a locksmith, I'm an electrician with a van full of **** you tend to fill the space you have available!

I just got myself an 05 plate SWB Transit with 70,000 on the clock and a medium high roof

Seems huge after my Mondeo and I have yet to master judgung how long it is when reversing - have not hit anything yet mind you !

I got this as I wanted to do key cutting from the van and it gives me the space to install somehow a workbench down one side for key cutting machines and workspace and gives me room to stand up in the van.

I have a 3,000W generator in there too for when out in the sticks with no power !

It has been named Christine after the 80's movie featuring a posessed car of that name as it came with a posh alarm system fitted which has a mind of its own . . .

Sounds like you have the power sorted, but i run my machine off of a car battery which i got for a £10er from the scrap yard. In the last two weeks i've cut about 70 keys and still not had to charge it.

Ah but I also have room for the kettle - toaster - and electric griddle - so when not busy i can sell tea and butties in a layby

Well - I might get a kettle in but joking about the rest !

Old Fords never die they just fade away, good van

With not long since starting up I got myself a suzuki carry van for , which has two large sliding doors, and tailgate,which Is just ideal ,especially if I need to cut a key in the rain. 

I support stuff being built over here...but stay away from LDV's..nothing but trouble(in my experience)

as an idea try the magnetic signs on the side of the van/car as they can be removed when not required

brian

I did think of that but the Mrs told me they would get nicked Sign written looks like the dogs whatnames plus if my Brother comes back from California after 30 years that will be his first job

Nick @ I currently use the magnetic sign and touch wood not been pinched yet, and as brian says they can be removed at any time if you need to.

kevin