Aimed at all you, but also tradespeople with tools as well.

Trying to decide whether to get a truck (most likely l200, Navara or dmax) for work with tools and also fishing or whether to just get a van (caddy, transit connect etc)

Anybody had both? Would prefer a truck but don't know if it would work.
Pros and cons of each of somebody that's had both of possible please. Luke.

I had a Ford Ranger many years ago with a fibreglass truck top could just about squeeze the rods in across the angle when fishing not the best with the work tools in as they weren't always easy to get at if you had lots on board having to reach or climb in over things, I have had both Caddies and Transporters (although any other van of your choosing) they are much easier in terms of use and access and fuel (generally)

In reply to Post #1
Imo vans are far nicer to drive than pickups, and offer more practicality with your kit. Pickups don't have very much load space

Yeah I thought that would be the case tbf maybe too much of a struggle with a truck then

In reply to Post #4
I couldn't get on with the navaro truck, useless roof racks and very little use able space in the back. Probably depends on your trade tho, would have been great for mixers, bandstands etc or getting pallets loaded straight on.
I actually preferred my mondeo estate, and I could get 8x4 sheets on it no problem

Ive had a ford transit connect LWB and I currently have a L200. For practical use the connect was far better for loading fishing tackle in, could get a lot more stuff in the back, the side door was good for access and generally easier in terms of getting stuff in and out.

The L200 with box is a nicer drive... More comfortable on longer journeys and has the advantage of 4 wheel drive should you ever need it..... But when you load it up anything near the front of the "boot" can be a pain to get out as you have to climb in to get a grip of it...I leave an old walking stick in the back to hook bag handles and pull to the rear.....

I don't put my rods in the back and flatten the passenger seat and lay on top.....

Also if you need to pop in the shops etc on the way the lake in the van all tackles is hidden and out of view where as in the truck the tackle is on show and could be a target for thieves.....

Also the van was a lot more economical on fuel...cheaper to service...longer service intervals every 20,000 miles

If I had to pick one solely for fishing I would chose the van, but as these were company vehicles I don't have to worry about fuel or maintanance costs....

Would I swap the L200 for the van ? No is the answer but then I don't just use the L200 for fishing and drive circa 40,000 miles a year.......

In reply to Post #6
Thanks for the very detailed reply there, helped me make up my mind I think, just seems like with an l200 you get more for your money but that comment about the walking stick having to hook things made me laugh and in all seriousness that would annoy me I can see it now 😂

In reply to Post #6
Good review that pal, since moving to scotland alot of the roads to get on the lochs are forestry tracks , i currently use a peugeot partner for fishing and dogs and was thinking of swapping it for a ford ranger or isuzu truck , I think i will stick with a van .

I have both , a wildtrak and a renault trafic sport , both have advantages and disadvantages and is like comparing apples with oranges .
The van is much easier to load things in and out , you can get more in it in both weight and size , for a trade having a side door and something you can step in and out is a godsend .
To work out of my truck is nothing but a royal pain in the arse , it's got a 5 inch lift kit on it to which makes it even more of a pain in the butt .
It also does about 20mpg with the huge mud tyres on it compared to the vans 39/40 mpg .
However it is 4x4 when need requires , I think that about the only advantage
I much prefer my van if I'm honest and my truck is mainly used as an expensive wheel barrow around the garden