Vivaro

[sheila_5105286]

These are mentioned on another thread a couple

of you have these wot are they like as it is now

time to change the tug but the electric wheelchair

comes in at 100kgs plus we have a Lunar Delta t/a

any views good or bad please.

Many Thanks.

Sheila

 

[Happy-Lappy]

Sheila,

I can't answer your question in regards to the Vivaro, but do you honestly need something this big?

I have two sets of friends who have mobility scooters and one drives a LR Freelander MK2, the other drives a Ford Galaxy.

Both of these cars have adequate room at the back to accommodate the scooters and they both tow large caravans.

You will get a more comfortable ride with these, than you would with a commercial vehicle and would also get a better MPG return

best regards, Martin

 

[JimD1]

Hi Sheila,

Never towed in our Vivaro yet, as we're still new to caravanning - 1st outing in March. We have at least 4 or 5 friends in the dog agility world who have them though & they all swear by them. The only comment I had was not to go for the 90HP Engine. 115HP is fine, & the 145HP is apparently brilliant, but drinks diesel.

To comment on the Vivaro generally, it's really by wife's - 2 years ago she drove an old Corsa & didn't like driving anything bigger. She then got a Zafira so she could transport the dogs easier. When we got the caravan, we discovered that the Zafira wasn't up to pulling it, so I inherited that & she got the Vivaro. She now loves driving it - very easy to drive, & she loves the driving postition. She's only 5'2" & being seated much hgigher up feels she has a better view of the road. As far as MPG goes, we are getting 41 to 42 driving solo.

We did discuss a 4x4 as a suitable alternative, but discovered we could buy a new Vivaro much cheaper - there are some real bargains to be had at Vauxhall main dealers. We've had cages fitted in the back 1/2 of the cargo area for the dogs. We also had it ply lined, which we then varnished to seal it - easier to wipe down with the dogs. We've also carpetted the floor in the cargo area & in the cages - it's really quite cosy !!!

For us, it was definitely the way to go - it may not suit everybody, but we love it.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[Happy-Lappy]

JimD

Fair play to your wife for plucking up the courage to drive the Vivaro, at 5'2" she is only 4" shorter than me.

The reason I replied to the OP is that if one requires a mobility scooter, then one may struggle to get in and out of the Vivaro, due to the additional height of the seating.

With the two cars I have mentioned, the seats are close to the height of most peoples waist, therefore it is easier for one to swivle into.

Also I am pleased that you find the Vivaro economical, as it suits your needs very well and with the large space at the back, the dogs must feel comfortable and not squeezed in,

best regards, Martin

 

[JimD1]

Martin,

Fair point about climbing into the front of a van - it is higher, but then again there is also a step up. T'other 1/2 takes her Mum shopping every week in it - Mum's now 80 & does struggle a bit to climb up, but loves it when she's finally in, as having a double passenger seat gives her plent of room. Regarding disability scooters, the van roof is high enough so that they can be driven straight into either the back or side doors if suitable ramps are used.

I've been really surprised how my wife's taken to it. When we picked it up she drove it 60 miles home - she was more than slightly nervous when she set off, & only having wing mirrors for rear view woried her at 1st. Now we all love it - us & the dogs - the only arguements are about who is going to drive

My bottom line advice to Sheila would be to treat it like buying any new vehicle - do your homework 1st & find out as much as you can about it, then take it for a decent test drive & make sure that everybody involved is happy. If there are any areas you aren't sure about, then don't go for it.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[Sproket]

If you do decide to get a van, you will need some of these folding ramps, a van will not be as high as the back of my trailer, a mobility scooter will go up these ok, here is a link to a photo of them...

http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz237/Sproket_01/Traileronbuild036.jpg
http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz237/Sproket_01/Traileronbuild037.jpg
These are rated at 150kg each ( 300kg for the pair ) ther will have been more than that going up them )

Sproket.

 

[Sproket]

If you do decide to get a van, you will need some of these folding ramps, a van will not be as high as the back of my trailer, a mobility scooter will go up these ok, here is a link to a photo of them...

http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz237/Sproket_01/Traileronbuild036.jpg
http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz237/Sproket_01/Traileronbuild037.jpg
These are rated at 150kg each ( 300kg for the pair ) ther will have been more than that going up them )

Sproket.

Direct links here

direct link

Direct link

 

[sheila_5105286]

Thanks for the replys so far..

At the moment we have a Citroen

c8 but the lease is up on it in

July so we are starting to look around the hubby

suggested we go for a combi-van

and a mention to Sproket..

we have a hoist fitted to lift the scooter in/out

and this would be transferred to the

new veh when ever we decide wot it will

be.

Many Thanks

Sheila

 

[DeliDave]

Like the trailer sproket,very smart

 

[Sproket]

Thanks Dave

I'v put it on members photos )