Now I have joined the equipment jungle of having multiple boards and sails etc. Just wondering why people chose a Van over a trailer or visa versa

Dougie, I think the biggest reason why people would choose a van over a trailer is that it is much easier to find a park along the Esplanade or Beach Rd without the trailer. I think you know which stance I am taking but it depends on the size of trailer you need. The best thing about the trailer scenario is that it leaves plenty of spare room in the garage.

Less of a hassle parking bayside and cheaper to run (currently 6.8-7.5 litres per 100km).

Ease of Parking is the core benefit that you get out of a Van.

Also down the list is security as its harder to break into and drive off with.

Then there is the fuel economy, and highway driving comfort, if you have ever towed a trailer or caravan you know that they handle like a dog, and if the wind is strong its even worse.

Also I don't think car insurance covers contents of the trailer.

I think both offer different benefits for different people.

sboardcrazy said...
[When Im trying to get my 6 sails , 2 booms , mast , + miscel into the back of my Corolla so hopefully I can still see out the passenger window to drive + lift 2 heavy ( for me ) boards onto the roof and tie them on without the wind blowing them off at the end of a long session I envy people with a trailor!Everyone else has thrown the gear in the back & Gone..grr[}:)]

Lol I can totally relate. Drive a corolla myself. Backseat down and all packed inside and the scary moment when you put board on roofrack and a gust comes through and threatens to smash the board into the car next to me.

Still it's amazing what you can make work when you want to.

i went trailer so i wouldnt have to drive a van around as my car ..

Gestalt said...

over the years i've seriously looked at getting a trailer. for all of the reasons mcmahon suggests.

end of the day it all costs a lot of money.

i adjusted my gear instead.

2 boards, 4 sails and a roof mounted quiver bag for the long hauls.

quiver bag cost $120 boom bag $80

if it's windy i take small board and 3 sails. if it's not i take big board and 3 sails.

long haul i take it all and put the masts/sails/extensions/tools/fins/harness etc in the quiver bag on the roof.

Which is all fine now, but eventually if your kids decide to sail what will you do then?

I'm probably leaning towards getting a trailer in future or rather combo of suitable car to put gear in & a trailer. Parking was the only thing I hated about having a trailer before, in some ways your gear is more secure if you use good hitch locks etc, a van is only as secure as the glass windows. Driving wise- I dislike driving a van as much as towing a trailer, I never had a problem with sway from my old trailer. My other consideration is if travelling with non-windsurfing people you can always park the trailer somewhere and they take the car whilst you're sailing.

A trick van is better than a trailer. Nice vans look better and are more comfortable to drive than the average car with a trailer.

Other advantages of vans are the ability to avoid drink driving charges with a van by driving to the pub in a van, getting drunk and then retiring to the van. Vans are the best vehicles to have sex in too. You can't do a burnout in a trailer either.

In summary vans are generally awesome.

Mobydisc said...

A trick van is better than a trailer. Nice vans look better and are more comfortable to drive than the average car with a trailer.

Other advantages of vans are the ability to avoid drink driving charges with a van by driving to the pub in a van, getting drunk and then retiring to the van. Vans are the best vehicles to have sex in too. You can't do a burnout in a trailer either.

In summary vans are generally awesome.

Haha - are you Jeremy Clarkson?

When I had long hair ahem when I had hair and a panel van and used to play in a band and sail cataramans

Krisiz1 said...

BundyBear said...

I cannot take my trailer to work so have to go home to get gear for an arvo session

That sums it up! I carry my gear in my work van permanently (and my tools in a trailer?????) anyway, I wouldn't have gone sailing today if I didn't have my gear with me. Lots of sailing opportunites pop up unexpectedly if you always have your gear on board.

Ditto for today

russh said...

Nothing warrrants a bloody trailer taking up two spaces in an already limited carpark location - its all right if thers one but when the whole trailer crew take up a six carparks in a small area it really pisses me off - if ya on your own and ya need a trailer its time to have a long hard think about how much gear ya really need

We've got the opposite here- 100 trailer parks and the same in normal parking, park in the trailer parks and you get booked. Stupid thing is you might get 10 boats max using those trailer parks per day... dumb arse council

sboardcrazy said...

Mobydisc said...

A trick van is better than a trailer. Nice vans look better and are more comfortable to drive than the average car with a trailer.

Other advantages of vans are the ability to avoid drink driving charges with a van by driving to the pub in a van, getting drunk and then retiring to the van. Vans are the best vehicles to have sex in too. You can't do a burnout in a trailer either.

In summary vans are generally awesome.

Sounds like fond memories of teen years.?

I had a couple of enduro motorbikes. I found them to be quite fun and good at doing jumps and going fast through forests. However they were not good for what a van does well.

Clearly vans are superior to cars with trailers. If you pick the right van then you will be the envy of many. They are fun machines.

The only windsurfing trailer I've seen that made me question my belief is one on the Board Ladies site. She has a beautiful trailer. I'd love a trailer like that to tow behind my van.

I admire the crew that get away with one board and 2 - 3 sails - if it aint enough to sail go for a surf or go to the pub - can't do it myself tho - lucky the commode wago holds 2-3 boards and 4 sails