Volkswagen says most people want:
VFS lists a further three features as being essential:
Citroen, though, places an emphasis on safety, and its must-haves include:
Although not essential, Citroen also highlights the availability of remote controls, saying that “many tippers come with a wander lead or wireless remote control so that the operator can control the tipping effectively from behind the vehicle”, while further options mentioned by Volkswagen include “small cranes to lift loads on to the bed, steps and handles to assist getting on to the platform, towbars, and tool storage”.
As VFS states: “All the major LCV vehicle manufacturers either have a vehicle body programme or their dealers have designated convertors.”
Volkswagen, for example, offers Engineered to Go tippers of a standard specification that can be ordered like any other van through its Van Centres.
The company also offers bespoke tippers tailored to customers’ requirements via its Engineered for You programme.
There is a third option, too, as Volkswagen explains: “It’s also possible for the customer to order a base vehicle and then convert it himself. We would, however, recommed doing it through a Van Centre because with our approved Recognised Converter programme customers have a single point of contact, single invoice, warranty that covers vehicle and conversion, and peace of mind that the Van Centre will handle any issues that arise when the vehicle is in service.”
While Citroen says bodybuilders can produce a body to a required specification to fit a base chassis cab, it warns customers to “be sure that it carries European Whole Vehicle Type Approval”.
Like Volkswagen, Citroen says the best way to acquire a conversion is from a vehicle manufacturer’s conversion range, such as its Ready to Run programme.
“This will carry a full warranty on the conversion to match the warranty of the base vehicle and can be ordered from any Citroen dealer,” says the manufacturer. “Citroen uses carefully selected bodybuilders to produce its Ready to Run conversions. All are certified and comply with the required regulations.”
While companies like Volkswagen offer finance options on conversions if you want to own a tipper van, Citroen says it might be worth considering rental as a solution “for occasional or one-off needs”.
Leasing is also a possibility, and Citroen says it might be the route for comparatively light-use operations such as a cage tipper or for occasionally moving sand and cement. However, it warns: “Leasing for heavy use could prove expensive if the body is likely to have a hard life and sustain damage.”
This is an easy one to answer as all three companies agree that there is always a market for tippers provided they have been properly maintained and have not suffered significant damage.
Not much, really, apart from the obvious, such as you could be stuck if the tipping mechanism fails, and you could have a far more serious problem if, as Citroen rightly highlights, you fail to ensure safe operation. So, as the manufacturer advises, make sure to:
If you do have a mechanical issue, though, go back to your supplier. Volkswagen, for instance, offers a one-stop-shop to solve any issues with, they say, minimum inconvenience for the owner, while they “will liaise with the converter to ensure the customer does not get ‘stuck in the middle’”.
So to conclude, if you’re in the market for a vehicle that, as Citroen, Volkswagen and VF say…
…then there is “no substitute” for a tipper.