GO MOBILE vehicle guide

Going mobile isn't as difficult as it might sound.  A variety of options exist for building your business.  Check out this gallery of various vans, trucks and buses that provide a suitable working environment.  This page is purely for reference and is updated annually.  A variety of decisions exist for mechanics and business interested in diving into the mobile realm.  Do I/we already have a vehicle that will work? Do I buy or lease? How big a vehicle do I need?  New or used?

As with any decision some research and market factors will help form your decision.  Below are some collected thoughts, ideas and guidelines based on feedback from over 200 independent mobile providers.

Generally speaking a great place to start is with your market.  If you're in a city and will be servicing business clients in a parking garage - a full size van such as offered by Ford, Dodge or Mercedes Benz (commonly known as "Sprinter" but sold under a variety of brand labels).  A smaller Ford Transit Connect or more traditional cargo van as offered for ages by Ford (Econoline), Chevrolet (Express series) and Dodge (Ram Van) is going to better serve your business needs.

Knowing the size of the vehicle is an important aspect especially when you start to think about where to park it.  If you live in a HOA (Home Owners Association) regulated community you might want to check the bylaws, many do not allow for a large and or commercial vehicle to be parked in the owners home, driveway, streets or neighborhood.

---

Big cargo vans by Ford, Mercedes and Dodge have a variety of options to choose from:  Long, medium and short wheelbases, regular (low) medium, high and super-high roof lines.  These all affect what you can do, where you can go and often times where you can park, a long wheel base Sprinter isn't going to fit in your average parking spot!

Many storage facilitates offer parking spaces in additional to storage.  Many also offer business services like a business address for shipping / receiving and services such as receiving your packages and placing them in your unit.  If you're out servicing clients - someone will need to collect your boxes as they arrive.  Most distributors require a business address for shipping in addition to other typical requirements.

---

Ford 
Transit Connect

• Good interior room for size
• Best for urban environment
• Have to work outside vehicle

Ford Transit (150,250,350)

• Likely won't fit in your garage 
• Most like a car to drive when compared to other full size cargo vans
• Easily serviceable at any Ford dealership & most repair shops
• Multiple length / height combo's available
• ​Rear wheel drive

Sprinter

• Numerous variations available through various brands with varied length and height
• Issues with body rust
• Pre-2006 is the "gold standard" in many for engine maintenance (avoid '02&'03)
• ​2010+ uses DEF in a closed system - you simply top the fluid every 5-10k miles
• ​Rear wheel drive and 4x4 options available 
• Limited service locations

Others
Dodge Ram ProMaster 

• Front wheel drive 
• Poor maintenance performance

Nissan NV2500

• Least expensive high top option (off the lot)
• Slightly smaller than the smallest Sprinter / Transit
• Large enough to work inside
• Fits in standard parking spots
• Japanese reliability

Standard Cargo Van
​Sold for decades by Ford, Dodge and Chevy these types of vans are readily available in a variety of conditions.

Rental Trucks - Resale
Uhaul & Penske offer their fleet vehicles for sale regularly, due diligence is requires when purchasing and often times the asking price is flexible.  You can often times find a good deal!