Brisbane

Growing up in England and vans everywhere, I'm still blown away at the impracticality of utes for certain trades. Plumbers are probably the largest group that I notice in this regard. Shit everywhere and as you said, having to tie everything down. Then there's the lack of security for all your stuff.

When I first set up as a subby in the fire alarm industry I had a Mitsubishi van. I installed shelving and was set up to attack just about any job. The only things on the outside were step ladders that wouldn't fit inside.

I have had utes with canopies at times since, but I haven't needed to be set up the way I was in those early years. I carry nothing these days but I still have a Falcon Ute because I actually like them.

I must say though, driving my Subaru Outback for a week has been wonderful. It's like a sports car in old person car clothing. ( Good coloured Outback wagon. Boxer 6. Sweet as all heck. ) Makes the ute seem like a tractor.

Vans are inherently OP.