I'm getting transit custom Crew cab and have the option of a 290 or 310
im aware that these numbers are the maximum weights (add a zero) and am told that the gearing is exactly the same, i will generally have 4 people 4 bikes and kit on board
Should i just getting the 310 with the bigger payload or will the 290 offer a better drive ?
how much more is the 310, and what wheelbase?. there has to be a demonstrable homologated technical difference. it is probably worth paying a little more so you have the extra payload
Suspension might have harder springs and a harsher ride when lightly loaded in the 310 model. I'd be asking that question rather than the gear ratios.
no price difference (its leased) both long wheelbase
my thought was also 'may as well get the higher payload' but someone said it would ride firm and springy if all im doing is carrying bikes and people.
get the 310. ratios are the same, the rear spring has a slightly higher rate, you wont notice it, but you can mitigate it by running the lower end tyre pressures
Apart from the higher spring rate and possibly harsher ride when empty the other potential downside of a 310 over a 290 is the required tyre and wheel load ratings. Probably only a factor if your looking at putting bling alloys on or changing rim size. I know my T32 has a much more limited choice and availability in wheels and tyres compared to my mates T30. It's not really issue for me as I'm happy with the factory 17" steels, but it is a consideration.
Does it fall under class VII MOT regs being a crew cab?
The biggest difference for most between the VW T30 & T32 is the MOT faff, but don't think it matters with a crew cab.
its the same tyre
get an insurance quote for both
Cheers guys, ended up going for the 310, my thought process was that 310 has a payload of over 1000kg which will help should the tax man come around.
Eh? What's your thinking there?
The 'Van' will be on my P11D, to ensure its classed as a Van the 310 offers a payload over 1000KG and thus pay commercial van tax rather than car rates.
Ah right, that's a new one on me. Used to have a company Kangoo that was taxed as a van and way under 1 tonne payload, but then that didn't have the extra seats.
Sounds like a good plan.