Vans are the workhorses of the automotive world. Depending on your requirements, your commercial vehicles have to be versatile enough to complete a variety of tasks during the course of a typical working week or they might simply have to do one job very well. There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all van that’s perfect for every requirement but here are five things to think about to make sure you get the right one for you.
Body types
The Classi Combi van
The best body type for you will depend on the type of jobs you need the van for. A Combi van, is used for transporting stock and other goods, are typically panel vans, box vans or Luton vans. Panel vans are solid ‘one-piece’ vehicles with an enclosed cargo bay and panels where the rear side windows would otherwise be. Box vans have a cab at the front and a separate cargo bay behind, while Luton vans are similar but feature a cargo bay that also extends over the top of the cab for extra space. Other options include mini-vans, flatbeds and pick-ups.
Size and capacity
The ideal carrying capacity will also depend on what you need to transport. A bigger van and load capacity will obviously allow you to carry more but a van that is bigger than your needs may be impractical in terms of economy and accessibility. If you only need to transport yourself and your work tools for example, your needs will be different than if you regularly have to transport bulky stock.
Versatility
If you require your van to have multiple capabilities, a small-medium van might be versatile enough to cover most eventualities. Folding or removable seats and variable storage configurations can help you switch between different loads including goods, passengers or a combination of both.
Affordability
The list price of your van is important but it’s far from the only aspect of affordability. Fuel efficiency can make even more of a difference, especially if you intend to use the van heavily over a long period of time. Tax and insurance can also affect your overall costs and reliability is important. You certainly don’t want a van that breaks down at a crucial moment and servicing, maintenance and potential repair costs should also be taken into account.
Security
It’s always best not to leave goods or tools in a van unattended but sometimes it’s unavoidable. Consider the security features fitted as standard and consider additional after-sales improvements where required.
