Vauxhall Astra van

[Designer1]

Hello,

Ben looking at some vans and come across a few Astra vans, the lowdown estate type. Anyone had any experience? Can you fit an 8x4 sheet in the back is a main concern. I'm sort of thinking it won't fit but thought I'd ask incase I'm wrong.

Cheers, Designer

 

[Doug B]

A mate has has the estate type Astra van & he can’t get an 8x4 sheet in

 

[powertools]

Can't say about late Astra vans but up until about 6 years ago I had a 1998 Astra estate as a vehicle we used for all the dirty jobs you don't want to do with your car. I could get an amazing amount of stuff in it but it would not take an 8x4 sheet inside but it would take them on the roof bars.

 

[Droogs]

you can if you cut it up into 1376 mm strips. That's the max load width according to the manual

 

[Jameshow]

I'd think you will struggle with any van smaller than a transit custom or vw transporter size.

I've have many estate cars and put plywood on the roof rack.

Cheers James

 

[Trainee neophyte]

It could go in diagonally...or could it?

Just about any van can have a roof rack, so problem solved.

 

[Droogs]

the smallest van you can get an 8x4 in that I know of is nv200 2800x1500 in the right trim

 

[John Brown]

I think you might find an old Volvo estate that'd take an 8 by 4, and indeed, I seem to remember my sorely missed Vauxhall Carlton estate did. Apart from that, I think you'll struggle.
As was said. Get some roof bars. I've hauled any number of 8 by 4 sheets of MDF, ply, PIR insulation on the roof bars of my not so sorely missed Mercedes C class estate.

 

[alanpo68]

Agree with the shouts about a roof rack. Even if you have a transit sized van it is usually far easier to lash 8x4's on the roof than move everything around to put them inside.

The one thing I would say is if you are putting thin 8x4's on the roof rack then use a couple of lengths of timber to brace the sheets.

 

[artie]

I always figure a trailer is more versatile and lower running costs.

Assuming of course that you already have a vehicle.

 

[Dabop]

One thing about putting sheets on the roofracks- tie them down side to side along the roof-racks- but put a strap around the very front, all the way around and clipped to itself and then tightened, and then use that to tie down to the front bumper/underneath- saves the ever popular- 'lets watch sheets bend up at the front and fly into the air' so common on youtube....

 

[Designer1]

Awesome thanks for the replies, looks like the roof rack is the way to go,

Thanks,
Designer1