Category: Ideas & Tips

Posted in Ideas & Tips

10 reasons to forget about cars and get a van!

Posted on by commercialvansolutions

More and more people are discovering that a van gives them everything they get from a car – and a whole lot more.

Here are the top ten reasons people give for switching to a van.

1. It’s up to you how you use the van

When you buy a car, you have very limited configuration options – you can generally fold down one or more seats, and that’s it. With a van, it’s entirely up to you how you configure the internal space. You can add extra seating, a storage area, leisure fittings, even a mini office. With a car, the manufacturer dictates how you can use the vehicle. With a van, you’re in charge. 

2. Ideal for family trips

Because of the extra space in a van, you can have a double row of seats and use it for the school run but still have enough space and flexibility to put in some camping equipment, fix the bikes to the back and head off for a day in the woods or a weekend at a campsite. On Monday, the van’s back to being a workhorse. 

3. Safer driving position

In most vans, you’re higher up than in a car, so you get great views and can anticipate driving decisions because you can see further ahead – this gives a safer drive.

4. Fuel economy

SUVs are inflexible in use and eat up fuel when loaded. Vans are designed to economise on fuel when carrying heavy loads. In addition, the ability to see further ahead enables you to slow the van on the gears, rather than suddenly slamming on the brakes which use lots of fuel. 

5. More comfortable

Car makers boast about comfort, but the fact is that vans are more comfortable for to drive. They have to be because they’re designed to be comfortable enough to be driven all day. 

6. Wrap it!

It’s much easier to customise a van with an amazing colour, or an all-over wrap. Saloon cars look silly if you do this to them. Vans look great – they can carry it off. 

7. Older people can find them easier…

Many older people find vans easier to get into because they don’t have to drop down into them, then struggle up again as they do with a car. Disabled taxis are nearly always vans.

8. … and so do parents with children

A sliding door is great because children, prams, bags and all the accessories of family life are much easier to get in and out of the vehicle. 

9. Smaller footprints available

Many vans look large because they are taller. But a surprising number will fit comfortably onto a supermarket parking space despite having far more usable interior space than a car. 

10. They’re much, much more fun

Everyone should own a van once in their life – so what are you waiting for? You can get finance and friendly advice from Austen’s, the van experts.

Now you can convert your van in commercial van by using ranger van shelving ideas, which are perfect for your business.

Posted in Ideas & Tips

Driving a van abroad – what you need to know

Posted on by commercialvansolutions


If you want to take that fun road trip abroad with the family this summer then you need to start planning now.

Below we offer a few hints and tips on current driving regulations and specifics for those who wish to travel in their luxury van! 

Before you travel

It’s a good idea to get your van or van checked over before you travel and have a full service carried out. That way you will have full peace of mind while enjoying your road trip and holiday with friends and family. 

Driving license

When you drive your van within the European Union or EEA, then you can use your UK driving license. However, if you plan to drive elsewhere, then you will need to have an IDP (International Driving Permit). This is available from the RAC, AA and the Post Office. It will cost you £5.50. The only requirements are that you need to be aged 18 or over and hold a current driving license.

Driving on the right

The idea of driving on the right side of the road can put a lot of people off from driving abroad, but you soon get used to it! When you first arrive, it is best to drive on smaller and less frequented roads while you get used to navigating your way around. If you are used to driving your van around the UK, then you will be fine. You can also get one of these stickers to put on your dashboard.

Make sure you have breakdown cover

When you drive in the UK, you need breakdown cover and the same is true when you travel abroad. You don’t want your vehicle to suddenly break down in a foreign country, and to then be stranded and saddled with a huge bill. The cost of towing a large van or van is also very expensive. Be sure to get breakdown cover before you travel. 

Correct documentation

As well as having van insurance and breakdown cover, you will also need other specific documentation in your possession while you travel. You will need a sticker displaying the letters, GB while you travel if you are not in possession of a GB logo license plate. If you are traveling to Turkey or Croatia, then you will need an IDP that we mentioned earlier on.

What to keep in your van

When you drive your van or van in a foreign country, then it is important that you keep certain items with you for added safety. A basic emergency kit is a must have, especially when driving across open terrain with very little chance of stopping for rest breaks. Items that you should keep onboard include the following; 

  • Roadside flares 
  • Warning triangle
  • Reflective vest
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Easy to use phrase book
  • Blankets
  • Bottles water
  • Dried food to use as snacks
  • In certain countries it is the law to carry a portable fire extinguisher, so check before you travel! 

If you want more information regarding the gruau van and other commercial vans please write us in the comment section.

Posted in Ideas & Tips

8 Safe Van Driving Tips

Posted on by commercialvansolutions

Getting behind the wheel of a van is different than driving a car because it’s bigger, heavier and is normally carrying extra weight from cargo.

There are some similarities that can be applied across both vehicles. You should always do basic checks before every journey including water, oil and windscreen washer levels as well as Tyre tread depth and condition.

Typically, van drivers are on the road for longer than their car driving counterparts which increases their risk of being involved in an accident.

We’ve put together a list of helpful tips to make every journey in a van safer.

ADOPT A COMFORTABLE DRIVING POSITION

There are some key differences between driving a car and a van; one of them is the driving position. In a van, you’re much higher giving you a better view of the road ahead.

In contrast, most vans don’t have a rear view mirror – either there is a full steel bulkhead separating the passenger and cargo areas or it’s a panel van without windows – so there are less ways to see behind you.

A comfortable driving position is important to avoid getting aches and pains from long-distance trips. A correct driving position also means adjusting your large door mirrors to optimize your field of vision to see as much of the road behind you as possible.

GET FAMILIAR WITH THE CONTROLS

Whenever you get behind the wheel of a new vehicle, you should familiarize yourself with the indicators, lights, hazard warnings and wipers.

Did you know that you can travel the length of two double Decker buses in just a few seconds at 30mph? So, taking your eyes off the road to find the lights could easily lead to an accident.

In a van, the gear stick is normally located on the dashboard, adjacent to the steering wheel, which is an unfamiliar position for people used to driving a car.

Some vans also come with a sixth gear for added fuel efficiency, so it’s important to check this before you set off rather than discovering it 50 miles into your journey.

KNOW THE DIMENSIONS

It’s obvious that a van is usually taller and longer than a car, but that imposes certain restrictions on where you can drive and park it.

For example, some car parks, especially underground ones, have height limits that you might not be able to fit under, so you should know the van’s dimensions before you attempt to get into one.

Also be aware of bridges, tunnels, overhanging trees and width-restricted lanes and roads.

PLAN A ROUTE AND LEAVE EXTRA TIME

Often you’ll be using a van for your business or moving items from one place to another. As such, you could be driving on unfamiliar roads or have a schedule to stick to.

To avoid rushing, getting stressed and increasing your blood pressure – all things that lead to impaired decision making – try to plan a route that avoids traveling in congested areas at peak times.

When you plan a route, you’ll have an estimated time that it should take you to reach your destination. It’s advisable to always leave some extra time to account for any delays that you might encounter.

LOAD YOUR CARGO PROPERLY

A properly loaded van makes a huge difference to the way the vehicle handles on the road and the safety of the driver and other road users.

Ideally, the load should be as low as possible and in the center of the wheelbase to spread the weight evenly. Tall items especially, should be tied down if you can’t tether the whole load.

Moving items can destabilize the van and damage other goods that you’re carrying.

SECURE THE CARGO DOORS

Once you’ve got the load in, you don’t want it to go anywhere before it’s reached its final destination. Make sure you lock the rear and side doors before you set off.

In 2008, an 80-year-old pedestrian was hit by the unsecured door of a van and suffered fatal injuries. The driver was charged with dangerous driving and received a court sentence.

Ensuring all the doors to your van are locked is also good practice to avoid being targeted by opportunistic thieves.

KNOW THE SPEED LIMIT

Vans have a different speed limit to cars and you need to be aware of these to drive safely and legally.

A national speed limit sign on a single carriageway means 50mph for a van. The same sign on a dual carriageway means 60mph for a van. Both are 10mph slower than for cars.

INCREASE BRAKING DISTANCES

The heavier your payload, and the larger your van, the more time and distance you’ll need to come to a complete stop. By increasing your braking distances you give yourself more time to react, and a greater chance of avoiding an accident.

As with any vehicle, you should take particular care in wet or icy conditions. Heavy winds can also impact taller vans which are more susceptible to toppling over.

If you have any question or suggestion regarding gruau refrigerated van please contact us by dropping a comment below.