Commercial Van Solutions

Van leasing is a new craze today. Business owners with limited budget particularly find this option lucrative other than purchasing a large fleet of vans. However, whether leasing a van will be feasible for you or not is a matter to decide. Well, leasing a commercial vehicle would cost you half of the buying price.

Although the initial cost of leasing is lower than the payment made while buying, in the long run this may not be the scenario. Besides, taking vehicles on lease will give you no ownership right and so at the end you will have no equity value to show for the investment you made.

Even though, after these cons you simply cannot deny so many advantages van leasing can provide. You may be knowing that vehicles lose their value with time. And this depreciation is figured into the lease agreement. Thus, you will know how much the van should worth right in the end of the lease. If you opt for leasing, you will have the leverage to change your vehicle and lease a new. This way you can avoid using a depreciating asset.

Individuals who are considering to own commercial vans, but experiencing shortage of money, van leasing can be a good option for them. Leasing a van needs no down payment. However, even if does, they rest assured that the amount would be a low one. Besides, you will be able to drive a high price and a better equipped van that you might not be able to afford to purchase.

On leasing you will ensure that you are driving a recently designed van, which is covered by manufacturer’s warranty. If you are wondering whether your van will be in a good condition or not, to let you know most of the vans are. But there are exceptions too. You just have to check with the vans before leasing them.

Aside from this, leasing a vehicle will help you upgrade your ride to late models every few years. And this is definitely an important consideration to make if you have a transportation business. Regardless of the option you choose, both of them will typically come with some substantial warranties, covering common repairs. However, on leasing a vehicle you can at least ensure that you are owning your desirable van.

Whether or not you lease a van depends upon your needs and business type. Newbie entrepreneurs who are involved in transportation business will prefer leasing a vehicle, whereas the established ones may want to own a fleet of vans forever.

Do you want to know more details about the refrigerated van and wheelchair vans for sale then please drop your questions in the comment section.

• Diesel vans under increasing scrutiny – could petrol be a better choice?
• Petrol have wider power bands, are more refined and cheaper
• Diesels last longer, are more efficient and have more pulling power

Up until five years ago, diesels had all but replaced petrols on the LCV scene but with an increasingly anti-diesel agenda taking place at Westminster and the advancement of petrol technology, the petrol van is back on track. We assess the pros and cons of both fuels to determine which is best suited to you and your business.

Brief history

In the ’80s, petrol and diesel sales in vans were relatively on par. While diesel engines had the fuel economy and longevity, petrol engines were worlds ahead in terms of refinement, engine noise and power – and you didn’t have to wait the best part of a minute for the glow plug light to go out.

All that changed with the wider availability of turbo power, and the arrival of common-rail technology at the turn of the millennia was the final nail in the petrol van coffin.

Arguments for petrol

After the EU began legal proceedings against the UK for breaching air pollution limits, Westminster has taken on a new anti-diesel stance, contrary to the pro-diesel agenda ten years ago. Transport for London plans to charge an extra £10 for driving in the centre of the capital from 2020, while Islington became the first council in the UK to charge (£20) for idling diesel engines. There’ll no doubt be more councils to follow.

Diesels aren’t as simple as they used to be either. Nowadays, most diesels are fitted with two-stage turbochargers and diesel particulate filters, while the Euro6 generation of vans look to require exhaust emission after-treatment systems like trucks.

Diesel particulate filters (DPFs) are most efficient when driven at a constant speed, for at least 15 minutes; any less and they’re prone to clogging up on short, or stop-and-start, runs. A typical DPF replacement costs around £1,200 and can fail as low as 60,000 miles for city operators, although some companies offer DPF cleaning and second hand DPFs, which are slightly cheaper. Failure to replace or clean a DPF could ultimately cost you a lot more.

Petrol engines also weigh considerably less than their diesel counterparts, which can reduce the kerbweight by as much as 30 or 40kg. Although this does mean more goods can be thrown in the business end, petrols do struggle with heavier loads. On the plus side, the reduced weight means they are slightly better balanced which helps with the handling.

Despite rapid advancement in the refinement of diesel engines, they still aren’t quite as smooth as the petrol. Vibrations on the steering during idling and noise in the cab while accelerating are a lot lower when compared with a diesel.  

The final say for petrols is that their list price is generally lower. In the case of the Nemo, the petrol engine is £1,500 cheaper than its equivalent diesel variant.

Arguments for diesel

High torque outputs, which are a natural attribute of diesels, is a key attribute van buyers look for. It’s the turning force, rather than power, that helps fully laden vans off the mark at traffic lights or pickups climb a particularly steep incline.

Diesels tend to last longer than petrols, and is one of the reasons why vans are kept for an average of 10 years before being replaced. This is because diesel has a superior lubricating property and the engines are designed to withstand much higher pressures. This helps maintain strong residual values as vans typically cover more miles than passenger cars.

Whereas petrol prices are slightly cheaper than diesel, the fuel economy of an average diesel still beats petrol by quite a way. For example, the Transit Connect’s 1.6-litre TDCi 75 is 16.9% more fuel efficient than the 1.0-litre Ecoboost 100 on the combined cycle, and the lead increases on the highway and with a heavier load.

Conclusion

There is no such thing as a ‘typical van driver’ as distance and workloads vary greatly, from inner city florists to long-distance highway maintenance. Having said that, this is an argument confined to the sub 2.5t market; chiefly because there are no petrol engines above that threshold anymore.

Diesel spells out two of the key characteristics van buyers look for in a van, pulling power and fuel economy, and for that reason will be the mainstay for years to come. However, if you spend a lot of the time idling around, say Islington, a petrol may just be the choice for you.

Do you want to know more about the refrigerated van for sale then please drop your questions in the comment section.

If you are using a van for your business, it’s likely that van security is a premium concern for you. In fact, a recent study by Simply Business suggests that 98 percent of all tradesmen are worried that their tools might be stolen from their vehicle while it’s left unattended. And there is good reason to worry because as you well know, stolen tools can mean days or perhaps even weeks of being unable to work – not to mention the cost of trying to replace them.  However, it seems that despite their concerns, many tradesmen still leave their vehicles unlocked and a large majority leave expensive equipment in their vehicles overnight.

In another survey conducted in February 2017, Simply Business spoke to 160 tradesmen in the construction industry. And apparently, a staggering 70 percent of them made a regular habit of leaving tools in their vans during the night. Moreover, another nine percent admitted that they occasionally do the same thing.

Conversely, only 21 percent of respondents claimed to never leave tools in their vehicle overnight – a surprisingly low statistic given how widespread concern about van theft has proven to be. In fact, theft claims have been on the increase in recent years, as thieves have developed new techniques that allow them faster access to locked vehicles – such as the ‘peel and steal’ approach, which sees criminals peel back sliding doors using little more than their bare hands.

Van theft-Keeping you van and tools safe

Of course, the best thing to do is to remove all of your tools whenever you are away from your vehicle – but this isn’t always a practical or achievable solution. So what else can you do to minimise the risk of theft?

1. Van alarm and immobiliser

Not all modern vans come with an engine immobiliser or alarm fitted.  If your vehicle hasn’t -fitting one is a real must. It doesn’t need to break the bank- a basic system can cost as little as £30. Installing an alarm system will deter a potential thief and render the ‘peel and steal’ tactic nigh-on-impossible in a built up area.      

2. Location Tracker

Another preventative measure to consider is a tracker. Fitting a tracker is not going to stop your vehicle from being stolen, but it will increase the chances of getting your van and tools back.  This clever advice helps police to locate your vehicle in real time, increasing your chances of recovering your tools and vehicles.  A tracker will also help reduce your insurance premium.

3. Remember to keep your vehicle locked – even during the day

Believe it or not, according to police figures, the majority of thefts actually occur during the working day. So it’s not just a question of securing your van at night, but remembering to keep your van locked and windows closed while you’re working away from it. If you are one of those people who regularly forget to lock your van, why not get a slam lock fitted. This type of lock means that the van is automatically locked when you slam the door shut-saving you an unnecessary headache. 

4. Mark your tools

Sometimes, despite all the right precautions and preventative measures, you may still fall victim to a determined thief. To increase your chances of recovering your tools, make sure that all your tools are marked.  This can be done with paint, permanent pen, ultra-violet marker or engraving them with a code- doing this ensures that the tools are easily identifiable and it also makes it harder for a thief to sell the tools on without causing suspicion. You could also register your tools for free on the immobilise register. Lastly, having an up to date inventory of your tools will be helpful in the event of an insurance claim.

5. Additional Security Measures

You don’t necessarily have to spend an arm and a leg to protect your van – something as cheap as the Thatcham approved lock will help to keep your tools more secure. An added bonus of fitting this type of lock is that it will lower your insurance premium too. Another relatively cheap way to protect your equipment could be padlocking your tools to the inside of your van. It might seem a little excessive, but it would definitely make them more difficult to pinch! However, if you are looking to invest a little more in additional security measures, lockable internal van racking is a great way of deterring potential thieves. 

6. Secure your van’s catalytic converter

Reports of Van catalytic converters being stolen are becoming increasingly more common place. Your catalytic converter is located in the exhaust of your vehicle and, as most vans have high ground clearance, it is relatively easy for thieves to access. These converters are made from platinum, rhodium and palladium which makes them lucrative items to criminals stealing them and selling them on for scrap. Fortunately an anti-theft clamping device has been created which makes stealing them particularly difficult. Not the cheapest piece of equipment with prices starting at around £150, but one which could potentially help avoid a lot of stress and heartache.

7. Park Smart

Finally, parking in a busy, well-lit area will reduce the risk of someone breaking into your vehicle. Whenever possible, park against a wall or fence to make it even harder for thieves to gain access to your side or rear doors and within view of CCTV. 

Often, newer vehicles provide greater security for their owners – but buying one outright is often not an option for many tradesmen. Instead, why not check out Rapid Vans and their fantastic selection of affordable van leasing options available with the latest modern security technology.  From as little as £113 per month +VAT for the Fiat Fiorino or £204 per month + VAT for the Ford Transit Custom, you can get all the benefits of a brand new vehicle without breaking the bank.

Do you want to know more about the van shelving then please drop your questions in the comment section.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve likely heard all the talk of electric vehicles – and how they could come to play a vital role in the UK’s vehicle market. But if you’re looking to buy or lease a van, should you consider making the change? As with any big purchase, there are lots of things to consider.

First, the good points. Electric vans are – first and foremost – far better for the environment than their fossil fuel-guzzling counterparts. But that’s not all. They’re also incredibly cheap to run, and more and more charging points are popping up across the country, making it easier to top up your vehicle on the go. Moreover, there are also financial incentives in place that can help make the initial purchase more affordable. And with an emissions-free van, you’ll be able to breeze through the planned Ultra-Low Emissions Zones with ease. What’s more, they’re also virtually silent – providing a more pleasant experience for both drivers and residents when your vehicle is passing through a quiet neighborhood.

But what’s the catch? Of course, the big concern is when and how you will keep your vehicle charged. And with home charging stations taking hours to fully charge an electric van, there are obviously some obstacles in the way of long-distance travel. While there are some petrol stations that also offer electric charging points, you’ll need to meticulously plan your journey to take these into account. On top of that, electric vans are expensive – even when taking advantage of the various financing options. And if you decide to sell on, it’s worth bearing in mind that there is currently not much of a market for second hand electric vehicles.

So, as you can see, there are both pros and cons to purchasing an electric vehicle. But if you’re keen to try one out and don’t have the funds to purchase up front, why not check out Rapid Vans? We’ve got a wide range of affordable van leasing options available, including electric vans, so you can experience this new technology without breaking the bank.

Do you want to know more about the refrigerated truck for sale then please drop your questions in the comment section.

Whether you’re a self-employed sole trader or the boss of your own small business, getting the right vehicle for the job is an important consideration. But it’s not just about what your company van looks like on the outside or what’s under the hood. In fact, choosing a professional van racking system for the interior can have a surprisingly large impact on your business – and here’s why.

Time saving

Firstly, van racking is a simple way to free up some time. No matter what size your vehicle, chances are that it will quickly turn into chaos without an organization system in place. But by installing racking units and van shelving, you can ensure that all of your equipment is on hand as and when you need it – eliminating the need to waste hours rummaging through a sea of tools and materials in search of a specific piece. Moreover, many van racking companies now offer removable storage solutions, so you can actually take all the tools that you need to the jobsite – so you don’t need to waste time returning to your vehicle. And because you can design a racking system to suit your individual needs, you can easily maximise the efficiency of your space – saving you more time in the long run.

Making the most of your load capacity

By saving time that might be spent searching a disorganized van, you can give your business a welcome boost. However, that’s not the only way in which a good van racking design can help you on your way towards success. If you think that you might need to invest in a larger vehicle, consider a clever storage solution first. With the right van racking solution in place, you can make the most out of the load space you have – meaning not only less trips, but you’ll no longer need to invest in a bigger van.

Protecting your tools and van

No matter what your business, it’s likely that a significant amount of your budget is spent on material and tools – so it makes sense to keep these in the best condition that you can. But when your only storage option is a pile in the back of a van, it’s easy for valuable supplies to get damaged or lost. By choosing a van racking system, you’re opting to protect your investments – a choice that will help you keep costs down over the years. By installing a high quality van racking system, you will also avoid causing internal damage to your vehicle’s body work from unsecured loads. By taking care of your van interior you will potentially receive a higher resale value on your vehicle when you come to selling it.

Professional looking commercial vehicle

Finally, a good van racking system is essential to maintaining a professional appearance. Recent research suggested that the appearance of your van has a direct effect on obtaining new business. More than 39% of the respondents surveyed, stated that they would be worried about the reliability of a tradesman driving a van in poor condition.  What’s the point in forking out for a smart, branded van when a chaotic mess is revealed every time that the doors open? Not only will a smart storage solution keep your tools and equipment clean and free from damage, it will also create a streamlined working environment that looks professional from all angles.

Looking for a different solution? If you don’t have the time or the money to install van racking in your work vehicle, why not look into leasing a van with a suitable storage system already in place? At Rapid Vans, we’ve got a wide selection of vehicles complete with racking that can be adapted to suit a wide range of jobs and tasks. To find out more about cheap van finance deals, including cash purchase, business leasing and hire purchase, give us a call today on 01446 502 955.

Do you want to know more about the ladder racks for vans then please drop your questions in the comment section.

Fed up with your current vehicle but don’t have the money to buy a new one outright? Or perhaps you’re in need of a van for your business and don’t have the capital to invest? Whatever the situation, van leasing is a great way to get all of the convenience of a new vehicle without breaking the bank. But how exactly does it work?

Actually, it’s surprisingly simple. If you’re looking for a low cost van, there are a variety of leasing options to choose from. So whether you’re on a tight budget or looking to splash out on the latest models, you can find a financing option that suits your individual needs. And once you’ve chosen one, you’ll know exactly how much you will be spending on your vehicle every month, with no unexpected costs. Moreover, you don’t need to worry about your van depreciating in value while you own it – unlike when you purchase a vehicle outright.

Vehicle-wise, most dealers will have a fantastic range for you to choose from, including models from popular brands such as Nissan and Ford. Need something small and compact that delivers excellent mileage at a low cost? Or perhaps a spacious and flexible work van is more what you’re looking for? With van leasing, it’s easy to find the perfect vehicle for you – no matter what your requirements.

Normally, you’ll pay an initial fee at the start of your rental period to secure your vehicle. After that, your monthly installments will start at the rate agreed in your payment plan. And when your contract is over, you’re free to either return your vehicle or swap it for a newer model. In many cases, there’s also the option buy your van outright – making leasing an affordable way to use, and eventually own, the vehicle you’ve always wanted.

Feel like van leasing could be the right step for you? At Rapid Vans we’ve got an excellent selection of affordable leasing packages on a wide variety of vehicles. So why not take a look today?

Do you want to know more about the refrigerated truck then please drop your questions in the comment section.

Keeping your car humming happily is simple and will save you time and money.

We’re so used to cellphones, TVs, computers, and home appliances that need no regular checks or maintenance, that last until they don’t and then get trashed and replaced, that it’s tempting to think of our vehicles as equally attention-free and reliable. And we’re just so busy every day.

But modern vehicles aren’t electronics. Rather, they’re incredibly complex machines—mechanical devices made of thousands of parts, many of which move up, down, or around. And of course, they roll on inflatable rubber tires. Some of these components need occasional attention to keep them operating properly, and others eventually require replacement.

There are many reasons to take care of your daily wheels. Regular maintenance is quick, easy, and cheap, while major repairs are expensive. It’s also comforting to know that your car, SUV, or truck is in good shape regardless of its age or mileage, with no need to worry about delays or breakdowns on long trips or your commute. Well-maintained vehicles last longer and hold more of their resale and trade-in value than neglected ones. In other words, take care of your car and it will take care of you.

The good news is that you don’t have to be a car enthusiast or even marginally mechanically inclined to keep your car in top shape. And it takes hardly any time. Here’s a list of six easy things to check that have the potential to prevent costly problems and keep your vehicle humming happily for many years. We’ve provided illustrations to help you find the components under the hood that need to be examined. But it’s always a good idea to read your owner’s manual to locate these items on your particular vehicle and to know the manufacturer’s service recommendations for them.

We suggest you start by inspecting everything on this list the first time through to make sure your car is ready to go. Beyond that, it’s all about periodic checks and maintenance—such as oil changes—as dictated by the owner’s manual and common sense.

How’s the Oil Level?

Oil is the lifeblood of your engine. Oil lubricates all the moving parts in your car’s engine, so you never want to let it run low. Almost all of today’s cars have engines that are so well built and thoroughly sealed that they won’t use any significant amount of oil between the recommended oil and filter changes. But you won’t know for sure if your car is an exception to the rule unless you check. Or maybe you drive an older car that does use some oil. Here’s how to check your oil:

• Make sure the engine is off. Open the hood. The release is usually found under the driver’s-side dash; the safety catch is under the lip of the hood.

• Find the (usually well-labeled) engine-oil dipstick, and pull it out. (It’s often yellow, for easy spotting.) Wipe the end with a clean cloth, replace the dipstick fully back into its sheath, and pull it out again.
• Now look at the tip; the markings indicate a range from full to one-quart low. You will see a light coating of oil on the end of the dipstick. If it’s between the minimum and maximum lines, you’re good. If it’s at or below minimum, add a quart of your vehicle’s recommended oil. (You’ll find that listed in the owner’s manual.)
• You add oil by twisting off the cap marked with the oil-can symbol (which often also has the word “oil” on it) that sits in plain view atop the engine and pouring in a quart of oil.
• Be sure to wipe any drips off the engine; oil can smoke when it gets hot.

Your engine doesn’t just need enough oil, it needs clean oil. So be sure to get the oil and oil filter changed at the mileage intervals recommended in the owner’s manual.

Make Sure You Have Windshield-Washer Fluid

It’s never fun to run out of washer fluid, but it’s particularly bad in winter, when road muck and salt mess up the windshield and play havoc with visibility. How often you check the windshield-washer reservoir depends on the season and the weather. Here’s how to check it:

• The windshield-washer reservoir is located under the hood.
• Washer tanks are often made of translucent plastic, allowing you to check the level visually. But many are also tucked out of sight, so there’s no way to tell how full they are—except when you fill them to the brim.
• Pop the reservoir cap. It’s marked with the icon of windshield-wiper spray. Fill the reservoir with washer fluid.
• Do not use pure water; freezing temperatures will cause the water in the reservoir to turn to ice, rendering your wipers useless. Commercial washer fluid has alcohol in it that keeps it from turning solid in all but Alaskan-winter temperatures.

Check the Tires’ Air Pressure

Newer cars have a tire-pressure warning light to let you know that your tires are low on air, but older cars do not. In any case, it’s best to purchase a tire-pressure gauge at an auto-parts store for a few dollars and check your tire pressures to make sure they’re set correctly. Here’s what you need to know:

• A sticker on the driver’s door pillar lists the proper inflation pressure for when the tires are cold (meaning that you haven’t yet driven on them that day).
• If you set the pressures after you’ve been driving for a while (more than a few miles), they should be raised by three pounds per square inch, as tires warm up and pressures rise when they are driven on.
• Check your tire pressures once a month for a couple of months. If the pressures remain steady, you can check them quarterly, as you know the tires are holding air.

Is the Radiator Full?

The radiator contains coolant that keeps your engine’s temperature under control, and it can be checked visually. Here’s how:

• Find the coolant reservoir under the hood. It’s made of translucent plastic, marked with “min” and “max” lines, and is, in all likelihood, holding a green fluid.
• When the engine is cool, the coolant level should reside between the lines.
• If it’s low, buy some antifreeze and top it off.
• Never attempt to refill the cooling system through the radiator cap! If the engine is warm, loosening the radiator cap—the black cap located atop the radiator as shown in the illustration above—can cause it to spit back scalding water. Always refill through the reservoir, which is not under pressure.
• If the coolant is low during your initial check, recheck it monthly. If it keeps disappearing, you have a problem and need to bring the car to a dealer or repair shop.
• If the coolant level remains in the zone, you’re good to go for a long time. Coolant lasts for years, but not indefinitely. Replacing it is a job for a repair facility. Check your owner’s manual to see how often the manufacturer suggests it be replaced.

Brake-Fluid Check

When you push on the brake pedal, you are pumping brake fluid through the system to the brakes. For most cars, the brake-fluid reservoir is translucent plastic, so you can see if it’s full. And like most other systems, today’s brake systems are well sealed and almost never leak. Almost. Here’s how to check the brake-fluid level:

• If the brake reservoir is full when you check it, your brake system has integrity.
• If fluid is low, purchase brake fluid and refill the reservoir.
• Check it weekly. If the fluid level continues to go down, however slowly, take the car to a repair facility. You have a problem that can make driving dangerous.
• Like coolant, brake fluid has a working life and must be replaced at regular, long-term intervals. Consult your owner’s manual to see at what mileage point it should be replaced. That should be done by a shop.

The other brake items that wear out are the brake pads. Pads can last for 20,000 miles or more—sometimes much more—depending on your car and driving conditions. But this isn’t something that can be easily checked at home. When a car is under warranty, an inspection of the brake pads is usually part of the routine scheduled maintenance.

If you drive an older car, you’ll need a shop (or a mechanically inclined friend who knows brakes) to establish how much meat there is on the pads. It’s valuable to know the remaining pad life because you want to anticipate when you’ll need to replace them. If you wait too long, the pad linings can wear through to the metal backing plates and do big damage to the car’s brake rotors. So get a handle on remaining brake-pad life.

Need Tires?

Tires are the all-important connection between your car and the road. You don’t want to let them wear until they’re bald. At that point, they act like water skis when the road gets wet and ride on the film of water, making it much easier to lose control. Tread should be visible across the tire. Better still, use a penny to check if the depth of the tread is adequate. Here’s how:

• Insert the edge of the penny into the tread, making sure Lincoln’s head is upside down (the top of the president’s head should be touching the tread), with the head facing so you can see it.
• If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, the tread grooves are too shallow (about 2/32 of an inch or less) to drive in wet weather; those grooves channel rainwater away and keep the tire in contact with the road. Replace your tires!
• If you’re unsure about whether the tires are due for replacement, see a tire dealer. It’s also a good idea to rotate your tires front to rear annually to even out the wear. And if you live in the cold-weather states, it’s smart to invest in a set of winter tires.

That’s the easy stuff, and if all you do is occasionally check these six areas, you’ll be fine a long way down the road—literally and figuratively. Leave the rest to the experts.

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