New Vehicle Options

[CH®IS]

Our lease is up sometime this year on our 06? Ford Freestar. Checking
Ford's site, I see they no longer have vans (maybe just not online, maybe
not at all).

So now that I'm looking at different options, I'm wondering what everyone
here uses for their installations/service vehicles.

On my wishlist (however far that'll get me with management), would be the
same van with more ground clearance and 4WD. Of course such a thing doesn't
exist from Ford's lineup. I've bottomed out this van so much I'm surprised
it hasn't damaged anything yet. And I've been stuck far too many times in
the winter (even in our own driveway... twice). Otherwise, it's been a
great van.

Any suggestions and little details would be great.

- Chris

 

[Crash Gordon]

07? Ford E-150, Weather Guard racks and stuff...nice. I get 16 mpg, not bad
for a van I guess.

 

[Frank Olson]

Our lease is up sometime this year on our 06? Ford Freestar. Checking
Ford's site, I see they no longer have vans (maybe just not online, maybe
not at all).

So now that I'm looking at different options, I'm wondering what everyone
here uses for their installations/service vehicles.

On my wishlist (however far that'll get me with management), would be the
same van with more ground clearance and 4WD. Of course such a thing doesn't
exist from Ford's lineup. I've bottomed out this van so much I'm surprised
it hasn't damaged anything yet. And I've been stuck far too many times in
the winter (even in our own driveway... twice). Otherwise, it's been a
great van.

Any suggestions and little details would be great.

- Chris

Installation vans are full size Chevs with ladder racks. Service vans
we have are Chev Astros - no side or rear windows. We're doing a good
deal more outdoor CCTV with the contract we got recently. We're looking
at a "slightly used" ex-Shaw Cable van with a roof-top bucket at the
moment... I figure it'll come in handy when I string the Christmas
lights this year...

 

[Doug]

Move to Florida and open an online store. No snow. No van. Lots of
sunshine and bikini clad women. Parties all the time. What more could
you ask for?

Gotta go for now. It's time to pick up the beer and soda for today's
party. Hope you're having a great Fourth of July holiday.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

==============================>
http://www.bassburgIaraIarms.com
==============================>

It can't be much of a party if you don't need a van to pick up the beer &
soda

Doug

 

[tourman]

Our lease is up sometime this year on our 06? Ford Freestar. Checking
Ford's site, I see they no longer have vans (maybe just not online, maybe
not at all).

So now that I'm looking at different options, I'm wondering what everyone
here uses for their installations/service vehicles.

On my wishlist (however far that'll get me with management), would be the
same van with more ground clearance and 4WD. Of course such a thing doesn't
exist from Ford's lineup. I've bottomed out this van so much I'm surprised
it hasn't damaged anything yet. And I've been stuck far too many times in
the winter (even in our own driveway... twice). Otherwise, it's been a
great van.

Any suggestions and little details would be great.

- Chris

RHC: Well for a vehicle ONLY for sales and after sale service - no or
few installations - I looked around and came up with a European style
"mini van" made by Kia called the Rondo (called the Carens in Europe).
It's a four banger, good on gas, with tremendous storage space. In a
pinch, I can easily store a 6 foot ladder plus everything I would
normally need for installation as well. My situation is somewhat
unique, so I don't suggest this as an option for any sort of
commercial alarm and security company, but as a small zip around
vehicle that doubles as a service vehicle, it fits the bill perfectly.
I notice a lot of local alarmco's use the Volkswagen bug as a vehicle
for their sales staff, but this vehicle has that one beat hands down
for "dual usage"IMO. Actual mileage 25 to 28 miles per Canadian gallon
in the city and 30 to 34 on the highway (Note: US gallon is 1/8
smaller than our equivalent). It's also completely equipped and a lot
of fun to drive, and very inexpensive to buy (plus 5 year 60,000 mile
bumper to bumper warranty)

 

[Jim]

RHC: Well for a vehicle ONLY for sales and after sale service - no or
few installations - I looked around and came up with a European style
"mini van" made by Kia called the Rondo (called the Carens in Europe).
It's a four banger, good on gas, with tremendous storage space. In a
pinch, I can easily store a 6 foot ladder plus everything I would
normally need for installation as well. My situation is somewhat
unique, so I don't suggest this as an option for any sort of
commercial alarm and security company, but as a small zip around
vehicle that doubles as a service vehicle, it fits the bill perfectly.
I notice a lot of local alarmco's use the Volkswagen bug as a vehicle
for their sales staff, but this vehicle has that one beat hands down
for "dual usage"IMO. Actual mileage 25 to 28 miles per Canadian gallon
in the city and 30 to 34 on the highway (Note: US gallon is 1/8
smaller than our equivalent). It's also completely equipped and a lot
of fun to drive, and very inexpensive to buy (plus 5 year 60,000 mile
bumper to bumper warranty)-

Isn't that the one with the little trap door at the bottom of the
driver and passenger doors? Going up hills you need to give it a
little help with an occasional skate board push off.

 

[Frank Olson]

Isn't that the one with the little trap door at the bottom of the
driver and passenger doors? Going up hills you need to give it a
little help with an occasional skate board push off.

Wrong minivan... This one has pedals and handlebars.

 

[Petem]

On 5 juil, 01:31, Frank Olson

I figure it'll come in handy when I string the Christmas

lights this year...  - Masquer le texte des messages précédents -

- Afficher le texte des messages précédents -

you bet it will come handy, thats the first thing I found that i was
missing when I took my new job (Union rep)

 

[tourman]

Wrong minivan... This one has pedals and handlebars.

RHC: Ok Frank, you guys go ahead and laugh, but it's the most
intelligently designed vehicle I've ever owned...) You wait and see;
when gas rises to $2 a litre, how many alarmco's are going to have to
abandon their gas guzzlers for a more fuel and space efficient
vehicle. This is just one of many of the new breed of "urban utility
vehicles" in the process of being released by a host of manufacturers.
As part of working smarter rather than harder, your company should
take a long hard look at these small minivans. Access to tools is far
better than any other van or truck, their 2.4 litre engine is fuel
efficient, and powerful as hell, their storage space is absolutely
amazing, and their warranty is second to none. What's not to like if
they fit the business in question ?

Here's a link to a writeup with specs. I'm only sorry I didn't find
out about this vehicle before....

http://www.kia.ca/cars/details/rondo

 

[tourman]

Bob,

My technicians switched from Dodge and Chevy vans to Toyota pickups with tool
tops many years ago. They were more efficient, cost less and provide easier
access to tools and supplies. I no longer do service calls (thank God) so the
only van I have is a Honda Odyssey Touring model. I don't care about tool
access but the removable / configurable seats, GPS, DVR and voice activated
everything are nice. :^)

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

==============================>
Bass Home Electronics
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
Sales & Tech Support 941-925-8650
Customer Service 941-870-2310
Fax 941-870-3252
==============================>

RHC: Since I got the Rondo (in red just like the illustration), it's
so much fun to drive, I haven't even bothered with the motorcycle.
It's the only vehicle I've ever owned with a stereo that actually
sounds good. My gas consumption from the Ford Ranger is down about
1/2, and the tools for service work are just so much more accessible.
As well, it has huge storage bins built in beneath the flat rear
storage area, where I carry loads of replacement lock and alarm parts
and tools, all hidden from view. It's such a beautifully designed
vehicle for sales and light (and not so light) service work, that I
may actually end up buying this one at the end of the four year lease
even when I will no longer be in business. I looked at the Toyota
Yaris, Echo, and Matrix but this was much better value all round than
any of the others with more storage space than any of the others.

I may even sell my six cylinder Dodge Caravan and buy another one of
these. I swear the Rondo will carry just as much. I'll probably use it
to go to Florida as well.
This vehicle is definately a "sleeper" and I imagine that this new
type of vehicle will become quite popular over time (it is now in
Europe where they call it the Carens)

 

[Jim]

RHC: Ok Frank, you guys go ahead and laugh, but it's the most
intelligently designed vehicle I've ever owned...) You wait and see;
when gas rises to $2 a litre, how many alarmco's are going to have to
abandon their gas guzzlers for a more fuel and space efficient
vehicle. This is just one of many of the new breed of "urban utility
vehicles" in the process of being released by a host of manufacturers.
As part of working smarter rather than harder, your company should
take a long hard look at these small minivans. Access to tools is far
better than any other van or truck, their 2.4 litre engine is fuel
efficient, and powerful as hell, their storage space is absolutely
amazing, and their warranty is second to none. What's not to like if
they fit the business in question ?

If you're willing to live with the lower power and any other
inconveniences, then it's ok. Me, having been in business so long, and
having customers with equipment strung out over so many years, there's
just too much stuff to fit in a minivan. I've pretty much got whatever
I need in the van, to service 90% of my accounts. Not the big stuff
like panels etc, but things like foil and foil takeoffs, butterfly
switches, two wire smokes and 4 wire smokes, a replacement rock for
over the cave door ...... etc,etc.

My solution has to be ..... raise my pricing to cover the increase of
the cost of doing business. And that's what most will do.

Now, I know this is rather a bizarre suggestion to you but ..... if
you CAN do with the smaller van, it allows you the opportunity to make
more money. And I know this is a foreign thought for you but ..... you
see, if you can reduce your costs and all your competition is raising
their prices to compensate for increased cost, you can ALSO raise your
prices ( not necessarily as much as the competition, but just enough
so you still win the sale) raising your profit margin.

But ...... but ...... no no, don't let me interfere with your regular
way of thinking. I'm just remembering how much it means to you to give
your business away to your customers.

So, I'm sorry for bringing it up ..... ummmm just forget I said
anything.

 

[Jim]

these. I swear the Rondo will carry just as much. I'll probably use it
to go to Florida as well...

There's plenty of room in my driveway when you get here. �If you don't bring a
bike maybe you can ride one of mine. �:^)

Here we go again.

Letters from "The Far Side"

 

[CH®IS]

RHC: Well for a vehicle ONLY for sales and after sale service - no or
few installations - I looked around and came up with a European style
"mini van" made by Kia called the Rondo (called the Carens in Europe).
It's a four banger, good on gas, with tremendous storage space. In a
pinch, I can easily store a 6 foot ladder plus everything I would
normally need for installation as well. My situation is somewhat
unique, so I don't suggest this as an option for any sort of
commercial alarm and security company, but as a small zip around
vehicle that doubles as a service vehicle, it fits the bill perfectly.
I notice a lot of local alarmco's use the Volkswagen bug as a vehicle
for their sales staff, but this vehicle has that one beat hands down
for "dual usage"IMO. Actual mileage 25 to 28 miles per Canadian gallon
in the city and 30 to 34 on the highway (Note: US gallon is 1/8
smaller than our equivalent). It's also completely equipped and a lot
of fun to drive, and very inexpensive to buy (plus 5 year 60,000 mile
bumper to bumper warranty)

I saw a Rondo a couple days ago around town. My biggest concern on space is
the 6' ladder. How exactly do you fit one into a Rondo? And yes, of course
it needs to be inside whichever vehicle we go with... the multi-million
dollar houses with white carpet and mud-bogger-paradise driveways wouldn't
have it any other way.

Our sales guy has had a Kia Sportage (2005ish) for about a year now.
Considering the way he drives, and the fact it still runs, it seems Kia may
be reliable enough at this point. The only problem other than the ladder
would be the apparent lack of a 4wd option on the Rondo.

 

[CH®IS]

Get a 17' Little Giant ladder. I had one for years and it would fold
small enough to fit in the trunk of my old Camry. They're heavy but solid
as a rock.

Being anywhere between 25-60 lbs., depending on which one you get, I'd say
it's a little too heavy to be moving around a house 50 times a day. On the
other hand, all of these type of ladders I've seen (Little Giant branded or
not) have been extremely stable and comfortable to be on. For my own
interest I just checked my current daily ladder... 13 lbs. and $70.

So at 30 lbs. and $230 for the smallest/cheapest
(http://www.littlegiantladder.com/little-giant/type-1.html), the weight
would be a pain at times, and the price may be a little hard for management
to swallow. If they could cut the weight and price in half, that would be
so much easier.

On the other hand, for your space saving amusement, I can fit the 6' ladder
into my little 87 Civic too. Plus all the tools I normally need for an
installation, and about 6-8 boxes of wire, and a few extra parts, and that
days equipment, and one seat left for me to drive in. Doesn't mean it's
something I'd want to do everyday, but it can be done.

Then again, I could also quit packing that damn 8' step / 14'(ish) extension
ladder on top of the van. The gas savings alone may make up for the cost.


- Chris

 

[tourman]

...


Being anywhere between 25-60 lbs., depending on which one you get, I'd say
it's a little too heavy to be moving around a house 50 times a day. On the
other hand, all of these type of ladders I've seen (Little Giant branded or
not) have been extremely stable and comfortable to be on. For my own
interest I just checked my current daily ladder... 13 lbs. and $70.

So at 30 lbs. and $230 for the smallest/cheapest
(http://www.littlegiantladder.com/little-giant/type-1.html), the weight
would be a pain at times, and the price may be a little hard for management
to swallow. If they could cut the weight and price in half, that would be
so much easier.

On the other hand, for your space saving amusement, I can fit the 6' ladder
into my little 87 Civic too. Plus all the tools I normally need for an
installation, and about 6-8 boxes of wire, and a few extra parts, and that
days equipment, and one seat left for me to drive in. Doesn't mean it's
something I'd want to do everyday, but it can be done.

Then again, I could also quit packing that damn 8' step / 14'(ish) extension
ladder on top of the van. The gas savings alone may make up for the cost..


- Chris

RHC: Yeah, that ladder might be a problem. I have carried my 6 foot
stepladder in the vehicle, but it does require some careful packing,
and not something I'd want to do on a daily basis for sure. However,
in my case, I only need it occasionally, so it's not the same type of
problem you would encounter. Some small vehicles can have the
passenger seat go flat (Toyota Matrix), which is a decided advantage
in your case.

Like everything, the vehicle has to fit the situation. Not much good
if it doesn't unless the pro's beat out the con's overall....

 

[Spellcheck Patrol]

Get a 17' Little Giant ladder. I had one for years and it would fold small
enough to fit in the trunk of my old Camry. They're heavy but solid as a
rock.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

==============================>
Bass Home Electronics
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
Sales & Tech Support 941-925-8650
Customer Service 941-870-2310
Fax 941-870-3252
==============================> <

I agree the LG is absolutely the best ladder ever made. It doesn't
even feel like you're standing on a ladder when you're using it. You
can find them at Home Depot for under $100.00. Buy two and use the
scaffold option.

 

[Spellcheck Patrol]

RHC: Yeah, that ladder might be a problem. I have carried my 6 foot
stepladder in the vehicle, but it does require some careful packing,
and not something I'd want to do on a daily basis for sure. However,
in my case, I only need it occasionally, so it's not the same type of
problem you would encounter. Some small vehicles can have the
passenger seat go flat (Toyota Matrix), which is a decided advantage
in your case.

Like everything, the vehicle has to fit the situation. Not much good
if it doesn't unless the pro's beat out the con's overall....<

Bob you're at least ninety fucking years old so the stories about you
using anything metallic outside of a walker or portable crapper just
aren't believable.
Folks feel obligated to respond to you because it's kind of taboo to
ignore a geezer when they get to rambling, but in the back of their
minds they're hoping your home health aid will interject and take you
back home for a diaper change. Then you can sit in front of the TV and
watch Larry King Live with your volume cranked up to 100. Ah you old
folks. What good are ya? Other than keeping florists and pharmacies in
business do you goats have any redeeming values? And I don't count
employing negroid home attendants as a positive.

 

[tourman]

Bob you're at least ninety fucking years old so the stories about you
using anything metallic outside of a walker or portable crapper just
aren't believable.
Folks feel obligated to respond to you because it's kind of taboo to
ignore a geezer when they get to rambling, but in the back of their
minds they're hoping your home health aid will interject and take you
back home for a diaper change. Then you can sit in front of the TV and
watch Larry King Live with your volume cranked up to 100. Ah you old
folks. What good are ya? Other than keeping florists and pharmacies in
business do you goats have any redeeming values? And I don't count
employing negroid home attendants as a positive.

RHC: Ah Tom...Tom...Tom....when will you young pups ever learn to
respect the wisdom of your elders !!!!

I'll have you know, I'm FAR from needing a walker or diapers ! I can
still climb ladders with the best of you guys; I can still install
systems as well as ever, and I now have the wisdom to know when to
walk away from a potential disaster of a job !! Us old geezers have
done or seen it all before. We can sit back and laugh at you young'uns
making the same mistakes we made years ago.....) Nor do I like
plastic much of anything. I shoot 1911's made of steel - no plastic
Glock toys for this boy !

About the only area where nothing has changed is when a curvaceous
ankle or butt walks by........only problem is at my age, all I can do
is look anymore.....

That's about the only thing I envy you young'uns for.....

 

[Jim]

RHC: Ah Tom...Tom...Tom....when will you young pups ever learn to
respect the wisdom of your elders !!!!

I'll have you know, I'm FAR from needing a walker or diapers ! �Ican
still climb ladders with the best of you guys; I can still install
systems as well as ever, and I now have the wisdom to know when to
walk away from a potential disaster of a job !! Us old geezers have
done or seen it all before. We can sit back and laugh at you young'uns
making the same mistakes we made years ago.....) Nor do I like
plastic much of anything. I shoot 1911's made of steel - no plastic
Glock toys for this boy !

Seen it all.
Heard it all.
Done it all.
But just can't seem to remember it .... at all.

About the only area where nothing has changed is when a curvaceous
ankle or butt walks by........only problem is at my age, all I can do
is look anymore.....

ANKEL!!!!! Who the hell looks at an ankle? How the hell old ARE
you????
Sounds like the age of bussles and pantaloons.

That's about the only thing I envy you young'uns for.....-

Yeah ..... we still look ..... but can't seem to remember why it's
important.

 

[G. Morgan]

Tom,

Call. I got the answer I was waiting for earlier.

The test is positive.... Better get yourself tested too Tom.