Top tips to help you stay alert during a long journey

Whether you’re a seasoned long distance driver or not, most of us have to get behind the wheel for long a long period of time at least once. So if you have to undertake a long journey for work or you’re driving far to go on holiday, with some careful preparation and planning, the stress involved can be minimised.

Before you go
Just the thought of a long distance journey can feel tiring for some, so don’t be caught out by a lack of sleep on the day. If you can make time, try to fit in a couple of extra hours of sleep a few nights before your journey.  This can improve alertness and decrease the chances of feeling groggy.

So you’ve prepared yourself in the days leading up to your long journey, it’s time to think about the vehicle. Undertake vehicle checks to ensure you are setting off in the safest possible way:

• Do you have reliable tyres, windscreen wash and other necessary equipment?

• Is your breakdown cover up to date?

• Do you have a fully charged phone, and a spare charger in your vehicle?

• Have you checked the weather forecast?

Plan your journey
Even if you have completed the journey before, it’s a good idea to know what alternative routes are available to you if you encounter road works or closures.

There’s no substitute for carefully planning your route beforehand, for stopping to check directions or alter your route halfway doesn’t merely cause holdups, it can also result in unnecessary stress.

Take your time

Rushing and feeling stressed may lead to feelings of agitation which could adversely affect your blood pressure levels and/or driving. Try to set off earlier than you need, to plan for unexpected delays.

Make sure you have a reliable sat nav if you don’t know the way, but take a paper map with you as a backup.

Plan your stops
Make sure you factor in regular stops along your route. Service stations are dotted about on all of the major motorways, and getting out of your vehicle to have something to eat and drink, as well as a quick walk around, will refresh you for the next part of your journey.

Everything in moderation
You might be tempted to load up on caffeine and sugar, but bear in mind that overdoing it could lead to a significant drop in your blood sugar levels, or an overall feeling of lethargy.

In order to avoid a lapse in your concentration and avoid dehydration, keep plenty of bottled water to hand. Other snacks that are not loaded with sugar and refined carbohydrates will keep your concentration levels high and help to avoid those slumps you can often feel later on in the day.

Eating big meals before a long journey may cause tiredness too; better to eat little and often where possible.

Better late than never
We’re sure that arriving late won't be part of your plan, but remember, better late than never. Even if you’ve followed all the given advice for staying alert and avoiding tiredness, if you still feel tired or sleepy, stop and take a break, don’t risk it.

Even a short stop for a quick stretch of your legs can work wonders when it comes to refreshing your mind and body and help keep you safe on your long journey. If stopping isn’t an immediate option, open the windows and allow some fresh air to circulate in the vehicle.

Check your posture and maintain a good position whilst driving, as sitting incorrectly at the wheel will leave you with aches and pains and feeling drained of energy quite quickly.

Good preparation will help keep you alert in the most adverse of conditions, and keep you safe on the road whatever the length of your journey.

Why is the Ford Transit van so popular?

Over seven million transit vans have been produced worldwide since they were first manufactured almost 50 years ago; they are so popular that the word Transit has become almost synonymous with vans of a similar size, no matter who the manufacturer is. Ford Transits come with a wide variety of customisations, and are reliable, safe and secure.

RELIABILITY
The reliability of a van is extremely important, especially within businesses as they are essential to carrying around tools, equipment and making deliveries. Ford Transits are not only exceptionally reliable, but due to their popularity, when something does go wrong you can guarantee a manufacture will be familiar with them, making repairs fast and simple. In 2012, the Ford Transit and Transit Connect claimed the top two spaces in the UK’s largest reliability study for vans. Ford Transits were voted the most dependable in terms of the number of breakdowns and warranty claims.

CUSTOMISATION
There are four styles of the Transit van available:
- The Transit ( the largest of the four )
- The Transit Custom ( International van of the year 2013 )
- The Transit Connect
- The Transit Courier ( the smallest of the four )

There are different styles available for each van type, with the largest Ford Transit customisable over body length and style, offering van, chassis cab, double cab-in-van and minibus variants. The Transit can be customised to suit the needs of any owner.

SAFETY
The latest version of the Ford Transit has seen the front re-designed so that it collapses more progressively on impact. The advantage of this is a stronger structure to protect the driver and any other occupants during high impact collisions, and less damage from low impact collisions. The newly designed front can often be repaired after a low impact collision without the need to remove the engine and transmission, greatly reducing the time and therefore cost of repair.
Driver airbags come as standard, whilst side and passenger airbags can be added as an optional extra. Other safety features available include an antilock brake system, brake traction control, an electronic stability programme and roll over mitigation.

Internal and external alarms can be fitted as a way of deterring thieves, and on certain models, a glass break sensor can be fitted; this minimises cases of theft between jobs. The new version of the Ford Transit comes with a passive anti-theft system as standard, making it difficult to steal the vehicle itself. The key fob contains a chip, and the van will not start without the chip being in close proximity of the lock, so even if the vehicle is hot-wired, it will not start.

With so many features on offer, it is no surprise that the Ford Transit is such a popular vehicle all over the world. With the new features on offer with the new version of the van, it’s popularity is set to grow further still.

See our selection of Ford Vans here.

Top tips to stay safe when driving a van

Many car drivers may not have experience driving and van and can therefore, give van drivers a hard time on the road.  It’s easy for motorists to forget that van drivers often spend hours behind the wheel and will be experienced road users. However the more time spent driving the higher the chances are of getting involved in an accident. So van drivers need to be alert and aware of themselves and other road users at all times. Here we look at some top tips to remain safe on Britain's busy roads.

1. Take your time

We’ve probably all experienced being overtaken by a speeding driver just to meet them again at the next set of traffic lights! So it’s obvious that speeding doesn't actually get us anywhere any quicker, it just puts all road users and pedestrians in unnecessary danger. Van drivers should set off calmly without rushing to make sure their journey is steady and stress-free. 

2. Hold a good driving position

Make sure your seat is positioned so you’re not straining to reach the steering wheel or pedals. But you don’t want to sit too close either, adjust the backrest and height of the driver's seat to make sure you are comfortable and have good visibility. Ensure you have checked all the mirrors and have no blind spots before you set off. Check out the Driving.co.uk website for the best driving position to avoid back pain.

3. Check the van is safe to drive

It is essential to check your fuel, tires, lights and oil before starting your journey. For winter journeys especially check windscreen washer levels and ensure mirrors and windscreen are clean. If you’re competent you know what you’re looking for, a quick check under the bonnet before you set off might save the day and keep you safe.  

4. Know where you’re going

Make sure you have planned the best route and checked the map to ensure you know where you’re going. Take into account the time of day you will be travelling as you may hit rush hour and school traffic.

5. Load weights

If you are responsible for transporting heavy loads, make sure not to rush, taking a moment to do the loading properly makes a huge difference. It is important to have your load as low as possible and centred to the wheelbase for easy driving. Another precaution when load lifting, take it slow to avoid putting your back out.

6. Be prepared

It’s wise to take a few essential items with you, especially on longer trips. Do you need a spare wheel, brace and jack? Is your mobile phone fully charged, do you have a first aid kit, torch and warm coat? Think about any other essentials you may need to bring to help avoid potential disaster.

7. Accidents

If the worst does happen and you’re involved in an accident, what remains crucial is what you do next. Ensure you switch your engine off and put on your hazard lights, engage the handbrake. Go ahead and check occupants of the other vehicle then call emergency services if necessary. Accidents mean being ready to hand over van insurance details as you exchange for the other vehicle’s details. It is important to note down witness details and capture the scene using photos and videos. The primary precaution is never to admit guilt or liability. 

Although van driving can be challenging, it can also be enjoyable and many people enjoy driving as part of their job. Remember to stay alert and safe at all times. Happy Driving!

The right tyres can make a huge difference to your van

A van is the type of vehicle that has a purpose, van owners will know the demands their vans are subjected to every day. Keeping vans working and roadworthy in every kind of weather is crucial for a business, and the right tyres play a leading role.

The correct tyres, when maintained properly can easily help to avoid frustrating and costly downtime that badly impacts the general productivity and can incur additional repair costs.

Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) tyres are usually exposed to heavier loads and more prolonged running than regular passenger cars, they need to be tougher.

They require a reinforced structure and special compounds that provide better longevity and extra load-carrying properties. So it’s important to choose tyres with every working situation in mind.

Why proper LCV tyres are a prime safety factor
Being used for business means that commercial vehicles are not driven in the same way as passenger vehicles with no downtime. For this reason, light truck tyres that are usually used must have an uncompromised grip on both wet and dry roads and superior safety properties.

Braking, cornering, and steering in constantly changing weather conditions depends on the quality of your vehicle’s rubber shoes which are the only contact points with the road, to ensure the safety of the vehicle and everything in it.

An unsuitable or worn tyre isn’t able to provide a reliable grip in wet or icy conditions and increases the risk of aquaplaning. Poor steering response makes it more difficult to control the vehicle and increases the risk of an accident.

What to consider while choosing LCV tyres
When choosing tyres try to foresee the worst possible conditions the tyres might face during their life cycle.  You should stick to the manufacturer’s original specifications which can be found either in the car’s manual or on the driver’s door pillar.

• Unlike regular passenger cars, the light commercial vehicles benefit more from the radial type of tyre (check for the letter ‘R” on the tyre sidewall) which are more rigid due to multiple belted layers (plies) of polyester and steel. This, however, introduces harsher cornering and handling. The heavier the load the vehicle carries the bigger ply number must be. 6-ply LCV tyres or those with the reinforced structure are good for smaller vans while bigger vans like Ford Transit and similar ‘boxes’ may require 8-ply tyres.
  
  

• As long as they are comparatively new, all-season tyres are usually good enough for the UK roads, but if you know that the vehicle will drive a lot on wet, snowy, or icy coastal roads, winter tyres are always better. Letters ‘M’ and ‘S’ on the sidewall means that the tyre meets the mud and snow standards.
  
  

• Stick to the original size or discuss upgrading with a professional, but never opt for tyres that are smaller than the original size specified by the manufacturer.
  
  

• Load index. Choose tyres according to the original load capacity (in kg) specified for the vehicle. Never opt for a product with a lower load index.
  
  

• Speed rating. The speed marking on the sidewall points to the maximum speed the tyre can operate at. Never buy tyres with the speed rating lower than the vehicle’s original specification.
  
  

• Read the EU fuel efficiency label for the tyre. Tyres are graded from A (with the lowest rolling resistance and, thus, the best fuel-efficiency) to G (the less fuel-saving).

Make sure your van is MOT ready

For tradespeople working across the UK who drive a van for work, it could be the most important tool for your business. This is because your van holds all the equipment required to carry out your daily work and it gets you from job to job. So an MOT test failure can end up being a huge burden, stopping you from doing your daily duties.

An MOT test is required once a year to ensure your van meets safety standards after it has reached the age that its first MOT test is due. If you’re unsure whether your van needs an MOT test you can check online.

Here we look at the most common reasons why vans do not pass an MOT.

Brake fluid leaks
The most common causes for MOT test failures. Vans use hydraulic systems to operate the brakes, but fluid leaks can lead to severe loss of braking efficiency. Breaking systems should be checked at every service and any faults must be repaired when first noticed to avoid large costs in future.

Tyre tread depth
Tread depth should not be below the legal limit of 1.6mm tread across the central three quarters of the tyre along its entire circumference. Your tyres must also be well maintained.

Lights
The front and rear position lamps, break, fog, indicator, hazard warning and registration plate lights all need to be in good working order.

They must:
- Be secure and correctly positioned.
- Show the correct colour.
- Be in good condition.
- Not be hugely affected by any other light.
- Not be obscured.
- Be able to illuminate with a single operation switch.
- Pairs of lights need to be the same size, shape and colour.

Seat belts

It is necessary that each seat belt in your van is fitted and adjusted correctly and does not have any tears, serious fraying or deterioration. If seat belts do not meet the requirements, then it is essential that they are replaced.

Windscreen wipers and washers
Washers must work in order to pass an MOT test and wiper blades should be in good condition as well as the correct size to the vehicle they are fitted to, giving the correct range of wipe to allow you to have an unobscured view of the road ahead of you.

To avoid the cost of having to re-take your MOT test it is good to have an annual service of your van before the MOT takes place – this will ensure your van is up to scratch.

Are you planning a van to campervan conversion?

Many people choose to convert their own campervan to save money and incorporate their own personal style.  But before you embark on your campervan conversion, it’s important to choose the right type of vehicle for you. 

First of all you need to think about what you will use your campervan for and how many people are likely to use it too. Your choice of van will determine how much space you have.

Make a plan

Think about everything you want your campervan to have and make a list. If you intend to go away in your campervan for long periods or away from facilities, you may require a toilet or washroom.  If camping all year round, you might require a heating unit.  You may want an awning, a roof rack, pop top or just a bed to rest your head and a kettle for the morning cuppa.  Light and ventilation are important requirements so windows and vents will have to be factored into your design.

Once you’ve thought about everything you want, figure out approximate costs and whether you’re going to do the work yourself, or not. Shop around and do your research, there are many different kinds of products and accessories to choose from.

Make sure you take the essentials into account when planning. You don’t want to be removing internal panels to install electrical cables you forgot to plan for at the start of the conversion project. Picture the campervan from an empty van shell through to completed campervan conversion. This way you can ensure you have planned for any lighting, TV, electrical plugs and switches in phase one.

Finding the right van

Panel vans are very popular because they are spacious, which is ideal for a medium to large campervan conversions. Parts for panel vans are easy to find and generally panel vans are easy to work on.

Most panel vans come in high top versions, allowing you to stand up inside. They also come in short, medium and long wheelbase versions, so you can choose the right one to fit your needs. 

Short or medium length panel vans are a good choice for 1, 2 or 3 people using the van for short or long trips.  For longer trips you’ll want a high-top so that you can stand up.  Shorter vans can be used everyday as a commuter, as they are reasonable on fuel costs (35mpg).  Popular models include the Renault Trafic, Ford Transit and VW Transporters.

We can help you to find the right van to convert to your requirements. Our vans are reliable and we offer finance and part exchange to make it more affordable for you. We have experience in converting vans into campervans, have a look at our Renault and VW conversions. Contact us if you have any questions or to explore your van options.