Choosing
The Right Van
Different Types of Van
Different vans are
suited to
different
types of job but we can put vans into general categories which have
certain advantages and disadvantages. The van you need will be found in
one of these categories.
Microvans
Ideal for tight
streets,
busy city
centres and multi-drop deliveries where parking is limited. Although
payloads are very reasonable given the smaller size, taller drivers can
find microvans cramped. Fuel economy is not great and long journeys can
be wearing. Examples include the Daihatsu Hijet, Piaggo Porter and
Suzuki Carry. Of these we recommend the Suzuki Carry as the best in
type.
Car-derived Vans
Car-derived vans
(CDVs) or
small vans are
normally standard passenger cars with a load area instead of rear seats
and solid panels instead of rear side windows. Being based on cars they
are comparatively refined to drive, deliver good fuel economy and good
in motorway, town and country use. The major limitation of this type of
van is an inability to carry heavy or bulky loads. Examples include the
Fiat Punto and Vauxhall Astravan.
Light Vans (Hi-cubes)
Light vans or hi-cubes
offer
a similar
wheelbase to CDVs but can carry more load in terms of volume and
weight. The original hi-cubes where based on the front of a three-door
hatchback with a high cubic load space behind. More recent models have
been designed with a single space which offers a more generous cab.
This type of van is generally fuel efficient, easy to manoeuvre and
easier to drive than a panel van and most suited to carrying small to
medium loads. Examples include the Ford Transit Connect, Renault Kangoo
and Vauxhall Combo.
Small Panel Vans
Small panel vans fall
between light vans
and large panel vans. The latest models are quite refined and fuel
efficient and offer a good balance between load carrying ability and
ease of driving at reasonable operating costs. It may be worth
considering whether you only occasionally need the larger load areas of
a large panel van – if so then it may be that you should run
a
small panel van and hire the larger van when you require.
Large Panel Vans
The large panel van
category
covers a
wide range of shapes and sizes. Generally there are three roof heights
– low roof (LR) or standard roof (SR), medium roof (MR) and
high
roof (HR) and three lengths – short wheelbase (SWB), medium
wheelbase (MWB) and long wheelbase (LWB). However, the way different
manufacturers classify these shapes and sizes varies and what is a MWB
from one manufacturer may be a LWB from another manufacturer so you
need to check the dimensions. Large panel vans are high-volume,
heavy-duty workhorses offering decent fuel economy. Examples include
the Citroen Relay, Renault Master, Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter.
Pick-ups
All pick-ups have an
open
load area
behind the cab but can be subdivided by the type of cab. Single cabs
have two doors and two seats, super cabs have two doors with two front
seats plus a rear bench seat or two individual seats and double cabs
typically have four doors and four seats. Most pick-ups are
four-wheel-drive and although this can be good for rugged terrain they
can be a bit unrefined on the road. Double cabs prove particularly
popular with drivers who need a large open load area (although solid
covers are usually an option) and still want a luxurious cab. There may
also be a case for driving a pick-up instead of a company car to reduce
the tax bill – but be warned that your local taxman
increasingly
frowns on this. Examples of pick-ups include the Ford Ranger,
Mitsibushi L200 and Nissan Pick-up. Smaller pick-ups from Proton (the
Jumbuck) and Suzuki (the Carry pick-up) are also available.
Chassis Cabs
Chassis cabs are cabs
on a
bare chassis
base which may then be customised with the body you want. Common
variants include tippers, flatbeds, dropsides and Lutons (Box vans) but
if you have a specific use in mind and none of these is a good fit then
there is probably a way of bespoking a chassis cab for the job.
Examples include the Renault Master, Ford Transit, Iveco Daily and
Mercedes Sprinter.
Minibuses
Minibuses are normally
panel
vans which
have been converted and fitted with seats. The number of seats varies
with the wheelbase of the original platform but is typically 12, 13 or
17. It’s important to note that under most circumstances a
PCV
licence is needed for minibuses with nine or more seats. (contact the
DVLA for more information www.dvla.gov.uk). Further conversions such as
wheel chair lifts or ramps are possible. Examples include the Fiat
Ducato, Renault Master, Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter.
Questions
to answer to help
us recommend the best van for you
How long do you expect to
keep it?
What is the best way of
paying for it?
When do you need delivery?
Can you afford the general
running costs (insurance, servicing, parts, fuel,etc.)?
What sort of engine size
and fuel do you need for the job?
What payload and load area
will be adequate?
How long will the driver
spend in the cab each day?
Does the specification
provide the driver with an adequate level of comfort and convenience?
Are the
vehicle’s external dimensions small enough for where it needs
to go e.g. loading areas and multi-storeys?
What sort of roads will
the van need to deal with most – city centre, A roads, B
roads, motorways, off-road?
Does any special equipment
need to be fitted or carried and if so is the van suitable?
Can the supplier provide
all the accessories you need and fit them before delivery?
How many people does the
van need to carry?
Will the van used for
towing?
Does the load area offer
enough accessibility for the driver and can any loading equipment
access the cargo area?
Is the standard security
equipment sufficient?
Does the
vehicle’s driving licence requirement fit the drivers?
Need help choosing
your
van - just call us for a free consultation.
Tel: 0845 643 0137
Email:
sales@vantastec.co.uk
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