Starting a business or moving home? The right van can ease your journey and ensure you have the necessary space and reliability. But with so many options available, how do you choose a van that meets your unique needs? This guide will help simplify the decision-making process.
The right van can make all the difference in your daily operations, from smooth deliveries to stress-free relocations.
First Things First – How Will You Use Your Van!!
Before making a decision, consider your primary use for the van. Are you transporting goods, moving furniture, or making deliveries? Your intended purpose will greatly influence the type and size of the van you need.
Think About Payloads
A van’s payload refers to the maximum weight it can carry, which includes the load and any additional equipment. Select a van that comfortably handles your load without exceeding the weight limit.
What Is Load Space & Why Is It Important?
Load space is the area within the van for carrying items. This measurement is essential as it affects how much you can transport in a single trip. A van with sufficient load space will help you maximise efficiency and minimise the number of trips needed.
How Many Seats Do You Need?
If you frequently transport a team, you might need a van offering additional seating. Conversely, if you focus primarily on goods, a van with fewer seats could provide more load space for your items.
What Are The Different Van Types?
From micro vans to larger models, understanding the different types can help you decide based on your needs. Here’s a breakdown of the most common van types and their ideal uses:
Micro Van
Micro vans are compact and easy to manoeuvre, ideal for small loads and city driving. They are perfect for deliveries or short trips, offering excellent fuel efficiency.
Small Vans
Ideal for city driving, small vans offer sufficient load space while parking is easy. They’re perfect for local deliveries and moving small items. Check out our Small vs Large Van guide to see if a small van suits your needs.
Large Vans
Perfect for substantial loads, large vans like Luton vans offer a significant payload capacity and are often used for commercial purposes.
Crew Cab Tipper
This type of van is designed for construction work, featuring a truck bed that can be tilted for easy unloading. Ideal for transporting tools and materials.
If you’re considering a long-term investment, buying a van might be your best option. Pace Van Hire offers a range of vans for sale, providing various models to suit different business needs and ensuring flexibility and reliability for your transport requirements.
How Do I Choose Van Size?
A short-wheelbase van is typically sufficient for one or two large items, while a Luton van is better for bigger moves. Assess the volume and dimensions of your items to choose appropriately.
Start by creating a list of all the tools and equipment you regularly carry and any additional items for bigger jobs. This will clarify the dimensions and load-bearing capacity necessary for your new van. Consider the height and length needed to ensure everything fits comfortably, allowing easy loading and unloading.
What Is A Van Wheelbase?
The wheelbase of a van is the distance between the front and rear axles. A longer wheelbase usually means more stability and a smoother ride, while a shorter wheelbase allows for better manoeuvrability in tight spaces.
There are three types:
- Short wheelbase van: Short wheelbase vans are suitable for medium loads and smaller items, balancing size and ease of handling.
- Long wheelbase van: Offering extra space, long wheelbase vans are ideal for transporting more oversized items or larger goods.
- Extended long wheelbase van: Perfect for transporting longer materials, these vans provide the additional length needed for items like ladders or scaffold poles without sacrificing payload capacity.
Don’t Forget Running Costs
When choosing a van, it’s important to consider the running costs. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Fuel capacity & consumption: Choose a van that provides good fuel efficiency to save on fuel costs.
- Van insurance: Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage to protect your investment.
- Vehicle excise duty: Don’t forget to include this annual tax in your van budget.
How to Choose the Right Van
Now that you have a clearer understanding of your needs and the various options available, it’s time to focus on choosing the right van for your specific requirements. Here’s a simple guide to help you with the selection process:
- Purpose: Think about how you plan to use the van, whether for business, personal transport, or deliveries.
- Size requirements: Consider the appropriate size based on the volume and dimensions of items you will transport.
- Load capacity: Ensure the van can handle the weight of your payload without exceeding its limits.
- Fuel efficiency: Look for a van with good fuel economy to manage ongoing fuel costs.
- Running costs: Consider factors like servicing, maintenance, insurance, and taxes.
- Safety features: Investigate available safety features and ratings for the van.
- Budget: Plan a budget to guide your choices and potential modifications.
- Test drive: Arrange test drives to evaluate handling, comfort, and ease of manoeuvrability.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a compact vehicle or a larger model, understanding your requirements is essential. If you need assistance choosing the best van or want to enquire about a specific rental vehicle, contact our Pace Van Hire team on 020 7277 9853 or email info@pacevanhire.com. We’re here to help!
