One thing you must have in the back of the van - mountain bike! I had one for years in the back of my van, why? No shed. Brilliant for when the van breaks down,congestion charge? No problem - Park up - rucksack of tools on - pedal away.
Had the same steering lock on my transit. Left the van running to warm up one morning with the steering lock still on and some idiot tried to drive it away ! Didn't get more than 50 feet as it wouldn't steer. Simple idea. Worth the money. I always put it on now....even nipping into a shop. Thanks for sharing. John.
The only bit of kit you're missing. Is the 100 mm pipe to put your fold up chair in that you can pull out on the job site and sit in when your having a break. Trust me. Its worth gold when you can sit down in a comfortable chair and take your boots off and have a bite to eat and a cup of tea while on the job.
Seen a few of these and your van is by the far the best organised. A lot of thought has gone into efficient placement of kit. A joy to watch. Thanks for sharing.
"built on pride - driven to succeed" sums you up mate. Im an old electrical contractor in Belfast with quite an established company, and I highly appreciate these videos pal. Good job.
Working in Eastern Canada here. What type of van are you using? considering buying a Nissan NV200 or Ford Transit Connect to save some money rather than a Full sized Van.
Another winner; thanks Thomas. Your comments on security are so true and spark's vans are the crown jewels for kit. I've seen ratchet straps used inside to prevent "peel 'n' peek" intrusion. Also, relocation of the OBD port to prevent a smart hot wire. Nothing better than quality, secure parking. Thanks again for sharing your experience.
Nice setup mate! Completely agree about using the upper area of a van for storage as it is just a waste otherwise. This is why I got myself a ute (utility/truck in Aus) for work instead
the locking part of the old van shelf with the 12volt cigarette lighter socket is for laptops and other high dollar electronic equipment. such as portable coax "line integrity testers"
Nice layout, like the idea of the outside spot lights, I might give it a go on my van, typical sparky though as I didn't see a broom a Hoover or even a dustpan and brush!!!
That's one great thing about sparky's they can do all the fancy bits without blowing the van up I miss working on jobs with sparks on board I'm not too bad with h/hold electrics but 12 volt van stuff they have more relays etc than the Olympics and way too complicated wiring.Nice layout kid keep your eyes peeled I had a Londoner work for me once he said it was a waste of time passing his test and arranging Scaffolding for a job down the smoke, was more involved than the D Day landings.
As a presenter you are super engaging and interesting. Your market, guys who love vans, is very narrow. With your presentation skills and editing you could massively project and do well on this forum. So what ar people watching over and over again? Food tourism. Go on holiday mate, permanently and share.
Great set up mate.. Fellow sparky from Australia... All the chasing you do is crazy. Alot easier here but we don't have the old buildings you have over there. All the best
The whole interior is from an Openreach van, with the exception of the handwash, the smaller organiser trays and the aerosol/silicone holders. (If the front bit is from a Sky van, its the same) The locker is for laptops and testers. The ladder rack is not Openreach, however they are also good, two ladder positions and if you ask a BT engineer, they'll probably show you the rope system that allows the ladders to be put on the van without climbing on the roof or messing with straps. Many of the BT vans have a full length 'loft' area for long/bulky items.
wow nice clean well organized van and good utilization of space. Hot water on board is a great idea. We have 6 months here with below freezing temperatures so I don't think it would work. I see we have the same problems on the job as I am an electrical contractor in Canada. Please keep these videos coming. Thanks Thomas
Looks like the interior of the old BT Vivaro/Transit vans (before they changed the layout) with some very useful additions. I like the addition of the can/bottle racks. I can't stand not being able to lay my hands on something I'm sure I have and spend a lot of time looking for it just to find I haven't got it. Compartmenting stuff takes up extra room but saves time.
First comment is for all the lads with work vans. There are teams, who move around and just target tradesmen's vans. The value of tools and equipment is so high now. Certain area's are hot spots. Holiday Inn Heathrow. 4 times I have had my van broken into there. I know Sky and a few other large companies put there guys up there so I wanted to let people know. Ford locks are bad due to skeleton keys being widely for sale on the net which open any van.
The TealWash is the coolest thing I have ever seen in my life. I will be trying to source one of these in the US for when I am out and about doing outdoors things. So cool!!!
Tom, @1m25s - you need a disk lock that goes round the whole steering wheel - with bar-style locks, thieves will cut through the foam and inner bar of the steering wheel and then simply pull the lock off through the gap :( They're more unwieldy but a hell of a lot better at preventing thieving tossers.
Seriously organised van well done mate im an electrician but ive gone over to the dark side and install fire alarms now , need to get my van racked out its a big problem finding things and all the time adds up hunting around for gear constantly. Great videos though tom nice to see someone take pride in what they do and some of the best easy watching ekectrical videos out there nice one !
Great video Tomas thanks very much, given me so many ideas to play with in the works van. Next request is any chance you can do something showing your tools, power tools testing equipment. Looking for ideas to what I'll be needing to have on the van Chears
ashley sefton Not at all just trying to get ideas on tools sparkys carry on a day to day. I’m doing my level 2 part p course and starting to work as a maintenance guy for a building company after Christmas.
Impressive video Thomas. Very well organised! I have one of those portable LED lights as well, well worth 22 quid from Screwfix I have to say, excellent bit of kit in dark confined spaces. (Electrical Improver from South East London I am... I'll be far happier once my NVQ and AM2 is completed). Thanks for all the video uploads, they're interesting to watch and to a fair extent educational also in terms of how you explain the work you're carrying out as an experienced Spark. It's brilliant to see Sparks who genuinely take some pride in the work they do as oppose to poor quality cowbow work, not rare unfortunately!
I've got the same light too, only I found mine after it had been left behind on a local garage forcourt. Didn't take long to find a charger for it! Ha ha
Nicely organised. The sink is a nice touch only concern I would have is disposing of the soiled water. I'd probably store it then tip it down the nearest drain not storm drain.
From what i gather you can buy from them the waste containers but i think they are only for the Mercedes Sprinter 5T vans. I guess i could fabricate a container as there is a fair bit of room under the back of the van by the towbar mountings - but its all time. it did cross my mind too though. ;-)
I had a VW caddy, found I was climbing over to get things from the back. Have now an 07 rear wheel transit L3H2 and it's just too big for a sparky. Every day is struggle getting in and out of it with its high rear floor So I 've ordered the same van but crew cabbed and front wheel drive for the extra inner height of around 7 inches. See how that goes.
I think that locked compartment with the power is where they keep the meter for getting a signal on the sky dishes it connects to the lnb module on the front of the dish
I have a small transit connect van which is racked out and have find myself forgetting that there is not much space for larger items when I am trying to get a drum of swa in at the wholesalers car park. I have a eberspacher handwash in the back which comes in handy occasionally. The thing I think you may be missing is a small inverter to give yourself a charging point.
I know this is an old vid and the guy is talking about securing the van. You can still get into these vans in under 5 seconds even with the factory deadlock activated.
I think Openreach BT needs to see this - they will certainly learn a thing or two on how to organise a van properly . There is no facility on Openreach vans to wash dirty, greasy hands . The locker where you store your rope would have been used to store a lap top and charger.
Good set up Thomas, thanks for sharing. What van are you looking at next? I only ask because you work in London and a good turning circle is important. Go test drive the new Mercedes Vito, it is rear wheel drive which gives it an amazing tight turning circle. Good engines too.
One thing you must have in the back of the van - mountain bike!
I had one for years in the back of my van, why? No shed.
Brilliant for when the van breaks down,congestion charge? No problem - Park up - rucksack of tools on - pedal away.
Hardly practical if you need anything other than hand tools
My dad worked for BT/Openreach. That cupboard was intended for storing a laptop and tester, the power outlest was to charge it.
Had the same steering lock on my transit. Left the van running to warm up one morning with the steering lock still on and some idiot tried to drive it away ! Didn't get more than 50 feet as it wouldn't steer. Simple idea. Worth the money. I always put it on now....even nipping into a shop. Thanks for sharing. John.
The only bit of kit you're missing. Is the 100 mm pipe to put your fold up chair in that you can pull out on the job site and sit in when your having a break. Trust me. Its worth gold when you can sit down in a comfortable chair and take your boots off and have a bite to eat and a cup of tea while on the job.
Seen a few of these and your van is by the far the best organised. A lot of thought has gone into efficient placement of kit. A joy to watch. Thanks for sharing.
"built on pride - driven to succeed" sums you up mate. Im an old electrical contractor in Belfast with quite an established company, and I highly appreciate these videos pal. Good job.
I was here to see the portable sink.
J Groenveld so was i
Me to
same
Indeed. The latest must have accessory. I gotta get one.
That sink is brilliant! I'd like to find one
I’ve never thought of separating a van like that.. going to take a note from you and implement that with my van here in Canada.
lolMyke hi bud, are you in vancouver?
Working in Eastern Canada here. What type of van are you using? considering buying a Nissan NV200 or Ford Transit Connect to save some money rather than a Full sized Van.
Watching this again after having watched it back in the day (and your much newer videos) and wow the old intro, old van, everything!
Very nicely organised.
Your van is the best, I've ever seen, Thomas. The most efficient space usage, the fastest access to the equipment...The ladder rack is just great...
cheers boss ;-)
Another winner; thanks Thomas. Your comments on security are so true and spark's vans are the crown jewels for kit. I've seen ratchet straps used inside to prevent "peel 'n' peek" intrusion. Also, relocation of the OBD port to prevent a smart hot wire. Nothing better than quality, secure parking. Thanks again for sharing your experience.
cheers boss ;-)
Going on my own soon, wasn't keen on the vans with any company i worked for, so glad to have seen this video!
Nice setup mate! Completely agree about using the upper area of a van for storage as it is just a waste otherwise. This is why I got myself a ute (utility/truck in Aus) for work instead
I can't believe it's taken me til I was 37 to finally learn what ute is short for 0_o
the locking part of the old van shelf with the 12volt cigarette lighter socket is for laptops and other high dollar electronic equipment. such as portable coax "line integrity testers"
When are you gonna do the van tour
It is the van tour
@@loftusrich
The joke ----->
You
That's the joke going right over your head buddy
@@loftusrich r/woooooooosh
@@dylancoates4128 R/wOo00oOsH
V A N T O RRRRRR
Hi Thomas,
Thanks for the van tour the locker compartment with 12v socket was used for a pc, secure storage and charging.
Really? I tought there were phones you can slide in to them like the old Car phones. Am i wrong? Sworn to have seen it somewhere....
Love your set up
Nice van layout buddy, everything easy to get at. The sink is an excellent idea.
It's going to be fun and games when you get the new van, a mighty task indeed
Best laid out van I have seen excellent
Your missing one thing....a motion sensor...that way during work you get a text message when someone opens your van doors
Nice layout, like the idea of the outside spot lights, I might give it a go on my van, typical sparky though as I didn't see a broom a Hoover or even a dustpan and brush!!!
What are these things you speak off?
That's one great thing about sparky's they can do all the fancy bits without blowing the van up I miss working on jobs with sparks on board I'm not too bad with h/hold electrics but 12 volt van stuff they have more relays etc than the Olympics and way too complicated wiring.Nice layout kid keep your eyes peeled I had a Londoner work for me once he said it was a waste of time passing his test and arranging Scaffolding for a job down the smoke, was more involved than the D Day landings.
You've come a long way mate! Forgot about this video
Love that little water heater, nice set up mate👍👍👍
cheers boss ;-)
Can you please make a video of you doing a climbing job? (Using your climbing equipment and how you set it up) Thanks, Sam
As a presenter you are super engaging and interesting. Your market, guys who love vans, is very narrow. With your presentation skills and editing you could massively project and do well on this forum. So what ar people watching over and over again? Food tourism. Go on holiday mate, permanently and share.
Excellent video as always thanks Tom, next you should review the different coffees that you buy (Costa, prett, wild bean cafe) lol
i think that might piss off a small percentage of people my friend ;-)
Great set up mate.. Fellow sparky from Australia... All the chasing you do is crazy. Alot easier here but we don't have the old buildings you have over there. All the best
The whole interior is from an Openreach van, with the exception of the handwash, the smaller organiser trays and the aerosol/silicone holders. (If the front bit is from a Sky van, its the same) The locker is for laptops and testers. The ladder rack is not Openreach, however they are also good, two ladder positions and if you ask a BT engineer, they'll probably show you the rope system that allows the ladders to be put on the van without climbing on the roof or messing with straps. Many of the BT vans have a full length 'loft' area for long/bulky items.
Glad to hear you refer to light bulbs, not lamps, as so many sparks insist on doing. 👍🏿
Awesome video, I love to see the setup over there in the UK. Really gives me great inspiration for my channel. Thanks for sharing
Instablaster.
One of the most organised vans ive ever seen youve given my a few ideas to use in my own van thank you 😁
The Sharpie collection was the best bit 👍
what a nice guy.
Water heater looks amazing, Another great video.
Love the sink and hot water in the back!
Super handy :D
wow nice clean well organized van and good utilization of space. Hot water on board is a great idea. We have 6 months here with below freezing temperatures so I don't think it would work. I see we have the same problems on the job as I am an electrical contractor in Canada. Please keep these videos coming. Thanks Thomas
Looks like the interior of the old BT Vivaro/Transit vans (before they changed the layout) with some very useful additions. I like the addition of the can/bottle racks.
I can't stand not being able to lay my hands on something I'm sure I have and spend a lot of time looking for it just to find I haven't got it. Compartmenting stuff takes up extra room but saves time.
Excellent video as always! I love the sink at the back ;)
First comment is for all the lads with work vans.
There are teams, who move around and just target tradesmen's vans.
The value of tools and equipment is so high now.
Certain area's are hot spots. Holiday Inn Heathrow. 4 times I have had my van broken into there. I know Sky and a few other large companies put there guys up there so I wanted to let people know.
Ford locks are bad due to skeleton keys being widely for sale on the net which open any van.
Thanks for the heads up
Awesome stuff! Great example/standard to all electricians starting out or current!
Such a nicely organized workspace. Thumbs up!
The TealWash is the coolest thing I have ever seen in my life. I will be trying to source one of these in the US for when I am out and about doing outdoors things. So cool!!!
This guys living the dream. I want that as a project.
The socket in the locker is common on openreach vans too. It was typically used to charge their laptops and/or portable test gear.
Tom, @1m25s - you need a disk lock that goes round the whole steering wheel - with bar-style locks, thieves will cut through the foam and inner bar of the steering wheel and then simply pull the lock off through the gap :( They're more unwieldy but a hell of a lot better at preventing thieving tossers.
yeay van tour!!! the tour I never knew I wanted, but I do
Seriously organised van well done mate im an electrician but ive gone over to the dark side and install fire alarms now , need to get my van racked out its a big problem finding things and all the time adds up hunting around for gear constantly. Great videos though tom nice to see someone take pride in what they do and some of the best easy watching ekectrical videos out there nice one !
I’m like..the most basic girl, know nothing about cars or vans..but maaan, did i enjoy this video! Nice job
That setup is pretty slick, must say.
Great video Tomas thanks very much, given me so many ideas to play with in the works van.
Next request is any chance you can do something showing your tools, power tools testing equipment. Looking for ideas to what I'll be needing to have on the van
Chears
garethf fox do u want to be tom?
ashley sefton
Not at all
just trying to get ideas on tools sparkys carry on a day to day. I’m doing my level 2 part p course and starting to work as a maintenance guy for a building company after Christmas.
garethf fox
Good luck !
This makes me want to gut my van and start over. Top notch!
Impressive video Thomas. Very well organised! I have one of those portable LED lights as well, well worth 22 quid from Screwfix I have to say, excellent bit of kit in dark confined spaces. (Electrical Improver from South East London I am... I'll be far happier once my NVQ and AM2 is completed). Thanks for all the video uploads, they're interesting to watch and to a fair extent educational also in terms of how you explain the work you're carrying out as an experienced Spark. It's brilliant to see Sparks who genuinely take some pride in the work they do as oppose to poor quality cowbow work, not rare unfortunately!
I've got the same light too, only I found mine after it had been left behind on a local garage forcourt. Didn't take long to find a charger for it! Ha ha
Love your 'made more financial sense' justification for paying £600 for new tyres rather than £450. Lol. Fantastic vid.
That's a really efficient and organized setup.
Love to see these small vans in the US.
Ford Transit connect is even smaller.
I have the same and I love it so much for me is the best van
That order inside the van makes me go all tingly, love it!
Same LOL
Beast of a van
I’m always surprised to hear how high the level of theft is in London.
Nicely organised. The sink is a nice touch only concern I would have is disposing of the soiled water. I'd probably store it then tip it down the nearest drain not storm drain.
From what i gather you can buy from them the waste containers but i think they are only for the Mercedes Sprinter 5T vans. I guess i could fabricate a container as there is a fair bit of room under the back of the van by the towbar mountings - but its all time.
it did cross my mind too though. ;-)
OMG I love that rolling knee pad. Could have used that on many termination jobs
Epic layout lovin it
I had a VW caddy, found I was climbing over to get things from the back. Have now an 07 rear wheel transit L3H2 and it's just too big for a sparky. Every day is struggle getting in and out of it with its high rear floor So I 've ordered the same van but crew cabbed and front wheel drive for the extra inner height of around 7 inches. See how that goes.
Top on your league my man you are.
Great stuff I plan on re-shelving mine at Christmas holidays I'm definitely gonna look for those tilt bins you have in the back
i think you can get them on ebay from memory. worth a look, as there is usually some second hand ones floating about.
The locker was used by BT Openreach the power and sponge was for your laptop you had to lock away on site and charge at the same time
I think that locked compartment with the power is where they keep the meter for getting a signal on the sky dishes it connects to the lnb module on the front of the dish
Great video, big Clive let us know about your channel, look forward to going through the other videos!
Thanks for the tour, fantastic!
Sweeeeeet set-up.
that hot water generator is brilliant !
I have a small transit connect van which is racked out and have find myself forgetting that there is not much space for larger items when I am trying to get a drum of swa in at the wholesalers car park. I have a eberspacher handwash in the back which comes in handy occasionally. The thing I think you may be missing is a small inverter to give yourself a charging point.
Amazing video Tom. Thanks so much
Very good video Tomas thanks👍
Thanks so much
I've never been a fan of people making vans sporty like transits with the strips and things like that. But great video really interesting
You mentioned a work bench, the keter collapsable work bench is the best I know of they have vids on TH-cam
I know this is an old vid and the guy is talking about securing the van. You can still get into these vans in under 5 seconds even with the factory deadlock activated.
Given me inspiration to go tidy the back of my van tomorrow hahaha
That is one tidy van right there 👌🏻
FYI that locker with a 12 V power source is for a laptop.
Wow that's propper organised for a guy's work van. Great video
Mason Bradley n
I think Openreach BT needs to see this - they will certainly learn a thing or two on how to organise a van properly . There is no facility on Openreach vans to wash dirty, greasy hands . The locker where you store your rope would have been used to store a lap top and charger.
I really enjoyed thankyou.
Neat, I like it, but why would you drive around with loose unpackaged light bulbs?
Good set up Thomas, thanks for sharing.
What van are you looking at next?
I only ask because you work in London and a good turning circle is important.
Go test drive the new Mercedes Vito, it is rear wheel drive which gives it an amazing tight turning circle. Good engines too.
wow cool video, thanks for sharing!
Well organised Van...am watching ur video from China..
EXCELLENT SET UP!!
Fantastic bit of kit
Really well laid out.
Hi Tom. Just found your channel. Nicely kitted out van. Subscribed.
Rolling knee pad. I need this
this van is amazing
tell us more about the sink. this is brilliant . cannot locate on amazon or youtube. name of this unit? obviously a UK product. curious. thanks
Very organized.
Didn’t know they sold milwaukee in GB... great tools
Milwaukee, the Hong Kong brand?