I'm starting a Handyman business, and I'm hoping my tiny Ford Transit Connect will be adequate to transport all of my tools.  I like using Systainers, and tried to combine tools when possible (my Rotex, ETS and all abrasives are in a Sys 2; my CXS and PDC are both in one drawer of a Sortainer).  I still have room for the Kapex, assuming it's shipped out in August as expected...

Thanks, it is very tight! I definitely wanted something I could fit into my garage, and now I'm starting to have second thoughts on purchasing a Mercedes Metris instead.

I can get 2-3 sheets of ply on the roof, or a few hundred linear feet of base/case up there, but I plan to have most things dropped in the driveway by the lumber mill.  I also plan to buy a small utility trailer in case I need to pick up a load of cabinets, or bring stuff to the dump.

That's a good (& funny) point!

@HandyDen - great job on packing out that Transit Connect.  Congratulations, too, on your steel cargo barrier - an absolute must in our opinion.

As you undoubtedly know, FESTOOL has been working with commercial van and vehicle outfitter BOTT in Germany to develop tailor made elements for optimizing tool storage and transport in smaller Vans - like the Metris.

It's not widely recognized in the US that Daimler is one of the worlds largest commercial truck and vehicle builders. Tradespeople in the US inherited a legacy of that uniquely American vehicle known as a Pick-up which causes puzzled looks on European tradespeople faces. European have been using vans for a very long time encouraged by the space limitations of european community streets and low commercial garage heights.

In the US open country and suburban areas SPRINTER and FORD Transit are growing in popularity with the high roof version seemingly being the "normal" for trades people. I see a lot more growth and development as mobile woodworking continues to grow along with tools so well suited to mobile work as well.

keep it up and keep us posted as you move forward with your business!

Hans

Thanks for all the comments and input.  One thing I'm noticing is that I can't afford to be sloppy and just throw stuff in the back after a job, because it prevents me from getting to the tools on the next job.  If I leave just a few tools out on the floor of the van, I literally can't get into the systainers.  I spend a few extra minutes at cleanup to make sure everything is put away.  I think the small space forces me to be more organized and as a result, makes the van look cleaner to clients.

@TSO Products  - I'd love to make room for some parallel guides in the van, when they're finally available. Any time frame on that?

I also work out of a Connect. You have done an impressive job with the van. Good luck with the new business.
What brand of roof rack is that?
Thks

Thanks.  After all that work, I decided I needed more room...it was like playing Tetris after every job.  I ended up buying the Mercedes Metris, which is a bit larger in every dimension.  Luckily, I was able to move my systainer shelves into the new van.







The roof rack is an AluRack. I love it because it has plenty of room and attachment points, and it has a really nice roller to assist in getting stuff onto the roof - highly recommend it.  I actually took that rack off my Transit before selling it, but then realized it wouldn’t fit on the Metris...it’s now on Craigslist