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
I just bought an fully enclosed ex go kart trailer for $1200 in excellent condition. I was going to buy a van but decided to get a trailer because:
Sand will get all over the place. I'm sick of it in the car.
If the bottom rusts, it wont be a big deal to replace
I can easily drill hooks racks etc.
I don't want to do tip runs in the back of a van.
I can take either car to the beach.
You can move some serious gear in a mates van with your trailer on the back (road trip)
Vans are over priced.
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.
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.
Less of a hassle parking bayside and cheaper to run (currently 6.8-7.5 litres per 100km).
A trailer costs less that a one new board. Throwing your kit in after a big session is so quick. Also when you have been a bit long.....you know what I mean. You just unhook it (30 secs), walk in Hi honey. No unloading the the car time.
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.
I envy people with a trailor!Everyone else has thrown the gear in the back & Gone..grr[}:)]
I envy people with a trailor!Everyone else has thrown the gear in the back & Gone..grr[}:)]
I envy people with a trailor!Everyone else has thrown the gear in the back & Gone..grr[}:)]
I cannot take my trailer to work so have to go home to get gear for an arvo session
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.
When I had long hair ahem when I had hair and a panel van and used to play in a band and sail cataramans
Something I should do, as a simple solution to NOT rusting your car out....
Use a towel to dry all your gear - board included... maybe even a shammy!
Simple solution, and no need for a van :P
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 
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
