Work van recommendations

[Dr Smith]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Not sure on the settings to be honest, the warehouse manager said he believed it was a 'default on' setup which would require switching off everytime you started it.
Wouldnt matter anyway as I was over it before I got part way through the day, too uncomfortable for a 6'3" person like myself as to get leg room it requires the seat fully back which then forces the seat back almost verticle due to the cargo barrier which combined with the forwatd projecting headrest leaves you feeling like your about to fall forward. Combine that with the terribly jerky hill descent control feature of the cruise control and then in any position there is simply a lack of lumbar support.

The seats position wouldnt be an issue in the people mover version as theres no cargo barrier to dictate seat back angle however there is also no reach adjustment on the steering column so to get a correct arm posture with slight bend at the elbow requires you to lean forward creating that 'C' shape I alluded to and associated lower back pain.
I barely slept last night as once I got home and relaxed the back stiffened up and felt worse, took panadiene forte at 3am and almost called in sick for the first time since I started.
Back in the old gen Hiace today and at the half way point having travelled the exact same route and zero discomfort, still have the same return route as yesterday to go so its an excellent opportunity for comparison although I already know the answer.

If I cant persuade them to look at the Crafter style vans I'll be pushing for a new Hiace for the extra frontal protection at a minimum.

You'll find the new Hiace much better for driving over the previous gen Hiace. We had one for a couple of weeks while the Custom was in the panel shop. It was a petrol v6 which was a curse to fill but fun to use.