Sprinter vans are renowned for their versatility and spacious interiors, making them popular choices for various commercial and personal uses, including cargo transportation, mobile workshops, and camper conversions. One of the key aspects of optimizing a Sprinter van’s functionality is effective storage management. Sprinter van shelving systems play a crucial role in maximizing storage space, enhancing organization, and improving efficiency. Here’s how you can achieve this with Sprinter van shelving.
Customized Storage Solutions
The interior space of a Sprinter van can vary widely depending on its configuration and intended use. Customized shelving solutions offer flexibility to adapt to specific needs, whether for tools, equipment, parts, supplies, or personal belongings. Shelving units can be designed and installed to utilize vertical space efficiently, creating dedicated compartments for different items. This customization ensures that every inch of available space is utilized effectively, minimizing clutter and optimizing workflow.
Organization and Accessibility
Well-designed shelving systems promote organization by providing designated storage areas for different categories of items. This not only makes it easier to locate and access tools or materials but also enhances efficiency during work or travel. Adjustable shelves and modular components allow for easy customization to accommodate varying sizes and shapes of items, ensuring everything has its place and is readily accessible when needed.
Maximizing Floor Space
Effective use of shelving minimizes the need for floor storage, which can clutter the van interior and restrict movement. By utilizing vertical space with shelves, bins, and racks, you can keep the floor area clear for maneuvering, loading, and unloading cargo. This layout not only enhances safety by reducing trip hazards but also optimizes usable space, making the van more functional and comfortable to work in.
Securing Tools and Equipment
Sprinter van shelving systems are designed not only for organization but also for security. Properly installed shelves can prevent tools and equipment from shifting during transit, reducing the risk of damage and maintaining order within the vehicle. Additionally, some shelving units feature locking mechanisms or integrated storage solutions for valuable items, providing added security against theft or unauthorized access.
Enhancing Efficiency and Productivity
An organized workspace contributes to increased efficiency and productivity. With everything neatly stored and easily accessible, professionals can complete tasks more efficiently without wasting time searching for tools or supplies. This efficiency is particularly valuable for tradespeople, service technicians, and mobile businesses that rely on quick access to equipment to deliver prompt and effective services to clients.
Maintenance and Durability
Quality shelving systems are built to withstand the rigors of daily use and the demands of various environments. Materials like steel, aluminum, or composite materials are commonly used for durability and corrosion resistance. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and inspecting shelves and hardware, ensures longevity and reliable performance over the van’s lifetime.
Conclusion
Sprinter van shelvingsystems are indispensable for maximizing storage space, enhancing organization, and improving efficiency in various applications. By customizing storage solutions to fit specific needs, organizing tools and equipment for accessibility, maximizing floor space, securing valuable items, and enhancing overall productivity, shelving systems transform Sprinter vans into highly functional mobile workspaces. Whether for commercial use, recreational vehicles, or personal projects, investing in quality shelving solutions optimizes the utility and value of Sprinter vans, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of their owners effectively.
Maintaining the flooring of your commercial van is crucial not only for its appearance but also for safety and longevity. The flooring in commercial vans withstands daily wear and tear from heavy equipment, tools, and cargo, making regular maintenance essential. Here are some effective maintenance tips to help keep your commercial van flooring in excellent condition.
1. Regular Cleaning Routine
Establishing a regular cleaning routine is the foundation of proper maintenance for commercial van flooring. Sweep or vacuum the flooring regularly to remove dirt, dust, and debris. This prevents particles from accumulating and potentially causing damage to the flooring over time. Use a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to ensure thorough cleaning, especially in crevices and corners.
2. Prompt Spill Cleanup
Spills are inevitable in a commercial van environment, whether from liquids, oils, or chemicals. Promptly clean up spills using a damp cloth or paper towels to prevent them from staining or damaging the flooring. For stubborn stains, use a mild detergent or cleaning solution recommended for the type of flooring material. Avoid harsh chemicals that could degrade or discolor the flooring.
3. Protect Against Abrasion
The flooring in commercial vans is subjected to abrasion from heavy items, tools, and equipment being moved in and out of the vehicle. To minimize wear and tear, consider using protective mats or liners in high-traffic areas or where items are frequently loaded and unloaded. These mats provide an additional layer of protection and can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement when necessary.
4. Regular Inspection for Damage
Regularly inspect the flooring for signs of wear, tears, or damage. Check seams, edges, and areas under heavy equipment or storage bins where wear may occur. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the longevity of the flooring. Early detection and repair of damage can also prevent safety hazards, such as trip hazards caused by loose or torn flooring.
5. Avoid Sharp Objects
Avoid transporting sharp or abrasive objects directly on the flooring surface whenever possible. Sharp objects can puncture or scratch the flooring, leading to potential tears or permanent damage. Use protective covers, containers, or bins for transporting sharp items to minimize direct contact with the flooring.
6. Use Gentle Cleaning Methods
When cleaning the flooring, use gentle cleaning methods and products appropriate for the type of flooring material. Harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners can damage the flooring surface, causing discoloration or degradation over time. Follow manufacturer recommendations for cleaning products and methods to ensure the best results without compromising the integrity of the flooring.
7. Prevent Moisture Buildup
Moisture buildup can lead to mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors in the commercial van. Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows or using a ventilation system to allow air circulation and reduce humidity levels inside the van. If moisture or water spills occur, promptly dry the affected area to prevent mold growth and potential damage to the flooring.
By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your commercial van flooring remains in optimal condition for years to come. Regular cleaning, prompt spill cleanup, protection against abrasion, regular inspections, gentle cleaning methods, moisture prevention, odor control, UV protection, and occasional professional maintenance are key practices to preserve the appearance, functionality, and safety of your commercial van flooring.
It is essential to have an intensity when it arrives to ensure the protection of your drivers and staff. Storage techniques can create it much more comfortable for tradespeople to see their tools and have access to safety tools when required. Custom van shelving provides protection for drivers as well as fabrics inside the van.
Aluminium sheets utilised for van shelving are awesome lightweight, creating them the number one option for experienced van interiors. But aluminum van shelving designs are somewhat costly and not always the most acceptable option.
IDEA ONE: Clear Out Old Storage and Supplies in Your Van
Go through what you have and assess what you require to maintain and release anything old or undeserved. Sort what you desire to maintain into storage containers.
IDEA TWO: Arrange your van storage area
Manage your tools and regions into storage that serves your requirements such as the Fischer Stor-Pak, Spare Parts Trays, or an Ezi-Pak Carry Case.
Label your receptacles and tubs, so it is simple to find and put away your items. Secure your area is mess free by selecting locations for detailed items. You can code these locations by selecting various color storage bins for a separate particular requirement.
IDEA THREE: Clean and organize
Look through your current and new things, checking that they are always high quality. By providing the condition of your warehouse crews is high quality from the start you will be capable of determining any signs of earlier damage.
Van Shelving crews are an essential element in any upfit.
Designed to support and contain your tools and consumables, our van shelving lines come in a variety of widths, depths, and sizes to make sure you convey the right shelving to adjust the instruments and consumables you use every day.
If the interior of your cargo van is getting too packed, think of having a ladder rack established. A ladder rack will free up space inside by letting you keep big overweight things, like a ladder, on the exterior. If your cargo van requires transporting big items like a ladder, you have every excuse to have a ladder rack installed.
If you’re in an enterprise where paintbrushes require to be safely and cleanly transported, a magnetized paintbrush rack may be the only thing you require to make the most out of your cargo van. Magnetized paint brush racks can efficiently store your brushes in a method that optimizes the space of your van.
Lines to support taller things in place
Van shelves are spaced and separated to permit a surplus of standing space for all groups. If you are holding anything more elevated than the container wall size, you can correct cables to the flanks of the racking to ensure nothing slips out when you’re going to your next position.
Keep things organized.
If your van looks as organized and clean as this one, it will make a much more comfortable workday. Make sure you put something back in the compartments you carried them out of this may be worth telling an apprentice), and label them if necessary. That can help you get your van managed. The tricky part can be to maintain that method.
Your pickup is already ultimate when it comes to cargo carrying. So, outfitting a ladder rack for the van is another step toward ultimate utility. Understand the benefits of these four rack kinds to find out which one is engineered to best suit your heavy-hauling requirements.
Over-Bed Racks
Your custom van bed is perfect for carrying toolboxes, coolers, and gas cans. But, even the longest van beds come up short when it’s time to take on extra-large loads. Over-bed racks provide an easy solution, adding up to 1000 lbs of cargo capacity right above your van bed. Made from hard, lightweight materials such as anodized aluminum, over-bed frames give you the quantity of sturdy space for everything from ladders and wood to kayaks and canoes.
Over-bed racks from industry leaders like Hauler Racks, TracRac, and Thule contractor racks are available with adjustable posts and secure tie-downs to ensure the safe hauling of any item. Most racks scale in a case of minutes without drilling (depending on the rack) which also creates easy discarding when required.
Over-Cab Racks
Whether you’re taking on a weekend renovation or coordinating the job site, over-cab racks save you time and money. Over-cab racks transform your van into a double-decker with an ample amount of space for one-trip hauling of kayaks, copper pipes, or off-road accessories. Sturdy, weightless construction, from materials like anodized aluminum, supplies sufficient power to carry up to 1200 lbs. And, over-cab racks maximize every inch of your rig’s roof while still leaving plenty of room in your cargo van bed. Available for most full-size, mid-size, or compact pickups from respected brands like Pace Edwards, most over-cab racks install in under an hour without drilling (depending on the rack).
Side-Mount Racks
Even your extra-long bed isn’t big enough to fit a full-size ladder. Fitting your workhorse with an inexpensive side mount frame makes hauling extended gear a breeze. The perfect perch for lumber, pipes, carpet rolls, and ladders, side-mount racks upgrade your hauling capacity without taking away any of your bed space. A stable medium for large gear, side-mount shelves can shoulder up to 500 lbs, gratitude to their stable, lightweight building. Most side-mount racks are supported by both your side rail and your bed for greater stability and feature adjustable posts and tie-downs for customized carrying.
Van & Shell Racks
While the spacious interior of your van is great for keeping cargo out of the elements, it can be pretty restrictive when it comes to what you can fit. Strapping a van rack to the top of your wagon provides you with a sturdy platform to carry those long, oversized items that just won’t fit inside.
With stable, lightweight cross arms, van shelves give your basic roof the force to carry up to 1000 lbs. Most van racks feature adjustable feet that can be set to the width of your ride and tie-downs or posts that secure your cargo. Conversely, shell racks offer drivers the security and out-of-the-elements benefits of a van without sacrificing the utility of a bed when you need it.
From expanding your fleet to simply replacing unrepairable trucks, there are many motivations that may lead you to consider buying a commercial vehicle.
Those glossy new trucks are immediately appealing to anyone. However, for some customers, new isn’t always the most practical choice, which is why used commercial vehicles also perform so strongly on our site.
What makes purchasing a used truck or van such a smart decision for so many? In this article, lets review the primary benefits of buying used commercial van:
1. Frugal
It may be the most obvious incentive, but it’s true that acquiring used trucks is significantly cheaper up-front than purchasing a new vehicle. A truck or van typically experiences its biggest drop in value in its first 12 months. This means you can often find great resale deals on commercial vehicles that are older than one year.
Additionally, depreciation is much slower after the initial first year decrease. So, if you buy a used truck and later sell it yourself, you may not have to part with it for too much less than you paid, putting good money back into your pocket (in addition to whatever profits the vehicle helped you earn).
Yes, buying a brand new commercial vehicle can be a long-term investment, but for some companies, especially new and growing businesses, saving on immediate costs can be the most important concern, helping them quickly expand their fleet, land more jobs, and make more money.
Extra Note: You can find great deals buying previously rented trucks from dealerships, as they typically like to fill their rental fleet with recent models, meaning you can get a vehicle that’s not too old from a seller who will have taken good care of it.
2. Familiar
Used trucks typically have a dependable life-cycle and performance capabilities that should be familiar to you and your drivers. Particularly if you can acquire the commercial vehicle’s telematics (digital data on engine hours, idle time, fuel economy, alerts, etc.) or records of maintenance, you can approximate how well you can expect the truck or van to work and for how many more years.
Being able to confidently rely on a used vehicle helps you to precisely plan and execute your routes and jobs, and ultimately help make your fleet more productive. Sometimes, technological and operational learning curves with new trucks may actually hinder work, along with driver concerns about even slightly dinging the new commercial vehicle. However, you can always get right to work with familiar, previously used trucks and vans.
Extra Note:Reputable dealers should be able to provide you with greater certainty when purchasing used vehicles, and you are more able to hold them accountable if they don’t deliver on what they promised you were getting with a purchased truck.
3. Flexible
Used vehicles give your company flexibility, since used trucks are readily available in a wide range of options. When purchasing new commercial vehicles, you are restricted to recent models and potentially lengthy production lead times.
With used trucks or vans, you can shop for any model produced in the past few years or even older if a vehicle has been well maintained. Additionally, you have flexibility in repairing older trucks, as brand-name parts are typically widely available from shops and individual sellers. If the commercial vehicle isn’t too much older, you can acquire parts directly from the manufacturer.
Extra Note:Affordable used trucks and vans can also be helpful to have on hand as simple backup vehicles, providing additional flexibility if an unexpected breakdown happens during an important job with a tight deadline.
4. Friendly for the environment
Members of Gen Y and Gen Z, who increasingly make up a greater share of the workforce, care about how the industry affects the environment. As such, sustainability is an emerging benefit of used vehicles.
At first, it sounds illogical that older, less fuel-efficient trucks could be called eco-friendly, however the acquisition of used commercial vehicles decreases the demand for newer trucks and vans.
Conclusion
Whether you have an immediate need for a commercial vehicle, or simply wish to plan ahead for your company’s future, it’s a good idea to know the many benefits of purchasing used trucks and vans. From affordable costs and broad availability to familiarity and eco-friendliness, used vehicles can be the perfect choice for your life and livelihood.
Roadways are a crucial means of transport in America. They provide people and sprinter commercial van to commute a wide range of locations and help them to reach their destination without any hiccups. Road transport is the process of transporting goods or people from one destination to the other via roads.
Road transportation is still the most heavily used mode of freight delivery service. Even though marine, air or rail transport would be largely used means of solution for bigger size freight services for long distances, road transport will be dominating the freight delivery service across America for a long time.
With the evolution of the transport industry and the growth of many freight delivery service companies in the world, it would be very much unclear for the person in need of transport facilities in deciding which mode of transport would best suit their requirements. Hence it is important to understand the distance, the volume of delivery goods and speed of service for deciding on which model to prefer.
Road transport is the most used of all the transport services available in the industry with the best freight delivery service. If you even use air/water/train transport for transporting goods from one country to another, you must use road transport for delivering them to their precise destination.
Advantages of road transport:
Less Capital Expense:
There are many advantages to road transport services when compared to other modes of transport. When you look at the capital required for road transport, it is very less than the other means of transport like air, water or rail. Even the charge for constructing, maintaining and operating roads is very less than that of railways and air transport.
Door to Door Service:
The unmatched benefit of road transport is that it gives door to door service for all the freight deliveries. Road transport is the only extensive system that gives transportation to the final destination. When you compare this to a rail or air transport where you need to make a delivery to the transportation terminal and get into the rail or plane after completion of several security checks. Later after reaching another terminal you have to take another mode of road transport to reach your place of destination. Also, these transportation terminals are usually not inaccessible areas as compared to road transport. With road transport, you can just load the items from your place, drive and unload it right at your required destination.
Service in Remote Areas:
Road transport is best applicable for transporting goods to and from remote areas that are not connected by other means like rail, air or water transports. The trade-off for goods between cities and small villages happens majorly via road transport.
Flexibility:
Road transport possesses has a huge benefit from other modes of transport, that is the flexibility which it provides. The routes and timings can be altered easily and quickly according to individual needs without much problem.
Suitable for Short Distance:
Road transport provides a faster and less costly means of transporting goods over short distances. Other modes of transport like water, air or rail may incur delays in transit of goods with loading and reloading required in multiple locations. In road transport than it can be loaded directly into a single vehicle and later transported directly to the final destination.
Lesser Risk of Damage in Transit:
As the multiple instances of loading and reloading are negated, there would be very little chance of harm to the transported goods. Hence road transport is best suited for transporting delicate goods that have more possibility of being damaged during numerous stages of loading and unloading.
Packing charges saved:
The procedure of packing the goods in road transport is very minimal while compared to other means of transport, where they would need to ensure safety for multiple loading and unloading process.
Rapid Speed:
If you need to transport goods with short notice, then road transport is much preferred that rail or water transport. With the other transports, it requires extra time to book the goods and taking their delivery.
Less total cost:
With road transport, you will not only need only less investment to start with but the capital for operating and maintenance is relatively less. When you consider all the costs of multiple loading and unloading, packaging, etc. the overall cost of road transport will be less.
Initiating own road service.
Another benefit of road transport is that if you have frequent delivery of your products or any other business-related items, then you can start your road services by your private vehicles, according to your capital investments. This will help to deliver the products without any delay regularly. Road transports also have provisions to use any type of vehicle like private cars, public buses, sharing vehicles, two-wheelers, etc. This will meet the needs of different kinds of services.
Connecting other Modes of Transport:
Even if air or rail transports may be used for long-distance transports, the end destinations in both the starting and end phase require the use of road transport. It acts as a connecting link to other modes of transport.
4 Hidden Benefits of Commercial Auto Insurance Policy
There are many benefits of commercial auto insurance. All drivers to carry adequate and approved insurance coverage. This is even more important for businesses who depend on their vehicles to deliver products and services for profit. Without the right auto insurance coverage, you could find yourself suddenly put out of business by an accident.
However, asset protection isn’t the only reason why you need commercial auto insurance. Here are several additional benefits you’ll gain from your auto coverage.
You Become a Better Credit Risk
Banks and lending institutions consider a variety of factors during the loan application process. Besides your credit score and income, lenders look at other things that could affect your ability to repay. One of them is your insurance coverage.
If you are financing your commercial van purchase, your lender will most likely require a certain level of insurance coverage. Getting a policy with greater coverage limits may be the move that makes a lender give your application a little extra consideration.
Your Equipment is Covered Too
While the details of each insurance contract vary, commercial auto insurance generally covers any equipment that’s carried in your work vehicle. So if you get in an accident and destroy your inventory, you may be able to add that to your insurance claim.
Your insurance also covers things like theft and vandalism, which is a big advantage for delivery-based businesses that work in high-incident areas.
You Might Qualify for Better Lease Terms
Businesses who lease their vehicles traditionally struggle with controlling costs. Cleaning and maintenance fees often add up to some impressive charges at the end of the agreement period. Training your drivers in proper driving techniques is an effective way to reduce the scraps and scratches that pump up your leasing payments.
However, even safe driving has its limits. Your commercial auto insurance policy can be customized to include special protections for leased vehicles that can convince sales lots to significantly lower your liabilities.
Get More Customers
In competitive markets, your business needs every possible advantage to draw positive attention. Customer service is a primary concern when buyers are looking for a place to shop. More than just a solution to their problem, consumers want to believe that the company they’re doing business with cares about their wellbeing.
Having adequate insurance coverage is an easy way to show your customers that you care. With your valid auto insurance policy, your customers know that their property and personal space will always be financially protected from any blunders or accidents.
Understand the Benefits of Commercial Auto Insurance
Now that we’ve addressed some of the major benefits of commercial auto insurance, it’s important to note that being properly and fully covered doesn’t need to break that bank. While auto insurance is definitely no place to be overly frugal, there are some cost-saving measure of which you may not be aware.
Gone are the days when you had to choose between blitzing through the backcountry in a cramped off-road SUV and taking to the perfectly paved roads in an massive recreational vehicle. That is to say, you can certainly still do both of those things, but you can also combine them in the form of an adventure van.
These killer hybrids are perhaps the best way to enjoy the amenities of an RV with the capabilities of something a bit more rugged – if you know which one to choose.
Luckily, even within such a seemingly small sample space, there are a bevy of different options for adventure vans to cater to your specific needs. If you want a small-scale luxury camper – it’s already been built. If you need a movable basecamp on a 4×4 off-road chassis – well, you’re certainly not the first.
The point is, adventure vans are one of the best ways to get out into the wilder parts of the world without giving up all modern amenities across the board. So, if you’re looking to hit the road and you want to buy an all-inclusive vehicle, convert one you already own, or just rent one for a few days, the following 15 options are the best adventure sprinter commercial van out there.
Fiat Ducato Base Camper Van
Here in the states, we know Fiat mostly as a Mini competitor that builds small, european-looking vehicles. But, as you can see in their Ducato Base Camper Van, they’re a lot more versatile than that. They’re capacious, spatially efficient, and loaded with amenities.
And those amenities include things like multi-country roadside assistance, a 5-language user app, a network of service shops, and a mess of creature comforts and modern technology. These vans are also Bluetooth and navigation-enabled, feature rotating captain-style driver and passenger chairs, and have plenty of onboard storage.
Hymercar Camper Vans
If the Fiat van option seems nice, but you’d rather go with something a little more luxurious, you should have a look at the offerings from Hymercar. These after-market adventure vans feature an expandable layout for more sleeping comfort, room for anywhere from 2-4 full-grown people, and even come with the option for a built-in onboard bathroom.
And if you’re not fond of Fiat, you can always roll with their Mercedes-Benz Grand Canyon S chassis. They even have a refrigerator and freezer, so you can keep all your food and drink for the trip cold and better kept.
Tiger Adventure Vehicles
It might be a little bit of a stretch to call the offerings from Tiger “adventure vans,” but they don’t quite fit into the RV category either. A part of that is their size, but it’s also because of their sheer capabilities.
Honestly, these vehicles are more rugged than most factory-built SUVs or even the donor pickup trucks from which they are built. And that bodes very well for anyone looking to get off-road with their adventure van. Available in three formats – the Bengal, the Mayan, and the Siberian – each a bit bigger and more rugged than the one before it, these monstrous mobile homes are all hand-built in South Carolina and feature a full galley, bathroom amenities, spacious floor plans, and more.
Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo
As any car enthusiast might tell you, buying from a third party modification shop can be a risky endeavor – even if they’ve got good reviews or a long history. If you need absolute confidence in the quality of your adventure van, you might want to buy direct from a brand – like Mercedes-Benz.
Their luxury camper, called the Marco Polo, isn’t the most rugged or spacious option, but it’s comfortable, looks good, and still boasts plenty of onboard tech and amenities. They include generous seating, a kitchenette with a functional two-burner gas stove, a sink, a refrigerator, and a number of power outlets so everyone onboard can keep their high-tech gear charged fully.
And, of course, if you want a little bit more out of the performance of your Benz, you can opt for an AMG-tuned package.
Outside Van Core Van
One of the coolest things about the offerings from Outside Van is their versatility in their options. Their packages all start with a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van – which is a spacious and capable vehicle in its own right – and then they offer a multitude of different packages from there, including a long list of optional customizations.
But, if you’re just looking for the basics, you don’t even have to bother with the list; you can just opt for one of their Core Van offerings and get all the necessities you need to get you and your companions out on the road. Just keep in mind that, with the price of the van itself included, these packages run near the $100,000 threshold.
Outside Van Custom
If you’ve got the cash and you’re not in a hurry, Outside Van also offers completely bespoke custom options when it comes to adventure vans. That means you can get one built to your exact specifications (having chose the options from their long-list of available upgrades, of course) that’s unlike any other on the road right now.
If you can afford it, but you’re not feeling all that creative – you can still get a super unique one by picking and choosing from their collection of one-off vans they’ve already built. Hell, they’ll probably even surprise you with a completely singular vehicle that you don’t have to design at all, if you throw enough scratch at them.
RB Components Sawtooth Adventure Van
There’s no rule dictating that interior luxury and external fortitude are mutually exclusive – as evidenced by this offering from RB Components. Called the Sawtooth, this beefed-up adventure van is built upon a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van (the obvious most-popular donor vehicle for adventure conversions), but the similarities to the original vehicle stop at the silhouette.
This upgraded version features a 3,000-watt power system, solar panels, a 69-gallon fresh water system, a custom stainless steel enclosed shower with hot water, an electric awning, bamboo wood tables and a BBQ exterior mount – and that’s the short list. It also comes with beefy Toyo off-road tires, an air spring kit, and a water-fording-friendly snorkel intake.
You might have started a new business, perhaps your business is expanding & you need a new van, or you just want to replace an old one. Whatever your situation, choosing the right vehicle for your requirements is important.
You need the right van with the correct equipment for now & the future. So how do you make your mind up? Take a look at this handy guide to help you through the decision-making process
How will you be using your van?
Think About Payloads
Considering your daily business needs will help you decide what size van will suit you best. If you’re transporting supplies from your local merchant to site, you need to consider the size, weight & volume of your typical load to decide on the ideal payload for your van.
What is a van payload?
Payload is the maximum load a van can safely carry as specified by the manufacturer.
Here are some typical weights & sizes to help give you an idea:
A bag of dry sand -1330kg per cubic metre
A Euro pallet -1200mm x 800mm
Baled hay – Up to 225kg per cubic metre
A bag of cement – 25kg or 50kg
A sheet of MDF – 2440mm x 1220mm x 15mm weighs 30-37kg
A bag of potatoes – 50kg
A tin of 5L paint – 7kg
An overloaded vehicle could land you a fine & more, so it’s vital to consider the size, weight & types of cargo before you choose your van.
What Is Load Space & Why Is It Important?
Once you know the weights you’ll be transporting, you also need to calculate how much load space you’ll need. Load space is the available space inside a van that is designed to carry a load & is usually provided in litres or square metres.
If you know you’ll need to transport small tools or parts then a medium or small van might suit you, while if you know you need to transport several Euro pallets you might require a larger vehicle.
Think about how the load will be accessed. If you have a heavy load you may need access to the cargo area with a fork-lift truck. Access to the side of the van may also be important if you work in towns.
Finally, consider any special requirements the load may have. For example, a catering business may require temperature control.
How Many Seats Do You Need?
Calculate the maximum number of passengers you will carry. You may need a row of seats in the vehicle if your business involves teams, or if you are going to be using the van during the evenings & weekends with the family.
Think about driver comfort too. Most vans are pretty comfy these days, but if you spend all day in the van then it may be worth investing in a higher trim level for a little extra comfort.
Easy Access
Are there any access restrictions to consider where you will be working? For example, if there will be narrow streets or height restrictions then city vans with dual sliding doors that allow for curbside loading would be a good choice.
Type Of Journey
It’s also important to consider what types of journeys you’ll need to make. Short trips around urban areas put different demands on a van than long motorway trips.
Where will the load be carried?
How often will the van be at full capacity?
How frequently will you be using it?
Remember to think outside the box when you are considering how you will use your van. If you only carry large loads occasionally you might want to consider getting a smaller, more economical vehicle & hiring a bigger van as & when. Equally, a small van might be great value now, but think about your business needs in another year. Will a smaller vehicle still be suitable then?
What Are The Different Types Of Vans?
If you haven’t leased a van before then chances are you won’t know your panel van from your crew van & can only guess at the benefits of a car-derived van! Don’t worry, you are not alone. Take a look at our jargon-busting info below:
Panel Vans
Panel vans are the most popular & versatile van type on our roads. With a wide range of body styles they provide a good balance between load carrying ability & ease of driving.
Panel vans are used by many trades including electricians, plumbers & are popular with delivery firms.
Medium Panel Vans
The Ford Transit Custom is the nation’s favourite medium panel van along with the Mercedes Vito, VW Transporter & Vauxhall Vivaro.
Large Panel Vans
Larger vans such as the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, VW Crafter & Citroen Relay offer a range of larger payloads & vaster load space options.
Small Panel Vans
Small panel vans are ideal for sole traders or light delivery trades, & include the Ford Transit Connect, Vauxhall Combo Cargo & Citroen Berlingo.
Car-Derived Or Compact Vans
A van built on the platform of a car, with the rear seats removed to create loadspace. It is often used for light deliveries or by self- employed tradesmen who don’t need to carry too many heavy tools.
The most popular car-derived compact vans include the Ford Fiesta Sport Van.
Small Or Light vans
Carrying more than a car-derived van, the small van is easier to maneuver, generally more fuel efficient & easier to drive than a panel van. Small vans are favoured by trades with low load requirements & are favoured in a wide range of trades such as by plumbers, photographers & florists.
Popular small vans include the Citroen Berlingo, Ford Transit Connect & Volkswagen Caddy.
Crew Vans
Crew vans offer an extra row of seating behind the front seats for additional crew carrying capacity. They are usually a modified panel van & are also known as a double cab. The additional passenger capacity makes them ideal for businesses such as road gangs/scaffolders.
A wide range of vans offer crew options including the Renault Trafic & the Ford Transit Custom Minibus.
Specialist Vehicles
Some businesses require specialist commercial vehicles to cope with day-to-day operations. Our van range includes the following specialist body types:
Luton Vans: Popular with removal firms, Lutons are a box type body extending over the top of the cab for extra load space.
Refrigerated Vans: Refrigeration elements keep the contents of the van cool. Often used by catering firms or florists.
Curtain-side Vans: The van’s sides are made from canvas to facilitate easy loading. Great if access to the entire side of the vehicle is needed.
Tippers: A hydraulic ram pushes the front load area up. Useful for carrying heavy materials like aggregates which need delivery direct to site. Not to be confused with chassis cab vans or a conversion van.
Drop-sides: An open top with shallow sides that drop down for easy access. Often used in building/horticulture where bulky items need transporting.
How Do I Choose Van Size?
Now you know what type of van suits you best, you’ll need to consider what length & heights are best. Make a list of all the tools & equipment you carry, including for those bigger jobs where you have to transport more kit. This will help you determine the dimensions & load bearing capacity you need in your new van.
What Is A Van Wheelbase?
The distance between the front & rear axles has a big impact on the length & therefore the capacity of a van.
There are three options:
Short wheelbase
Medium wheelbase
Long wheelbase
The length of wheelbase will determine how much storage capacity you have & affect your van’s manoeuvrability.
On the Vanarama website the length of a wheelbase will be denoted by ‘L’ on van descriptions. For example, an L3 Ford Transit Van will be the tallest option available.
Don’t forget to consider extra equipment when you choose your wheelbase. If you need grabs, hoists or a tail lift for example, the wheelbase must be able to accommodate these.
Choosing The Right Van Height
Van manufacturers offer three different roof heights; low, medium & high. These & the different wheelbases are not always a standard size. So always double check sizing if you are comparing different vans.
Much like the lengths, the heights of a body type will be denoted by ‘H’ on van descriptions. For example, an L3H4 Ford Transit Van will be the longest & tallest option available.
Usually anything above an H2 is considered a high top van & should offer enough space to stand if necessary inside the load space.
The best body type will normally be the smallest one to do the job as this will be the most fuel efficient. Before selecting a low, medium or high roof there are some things to consider:
How much will your van need to carry?
Is it likely to run empty or light?
Are the loads high-volume/low-weight or vice versa?
Will you need specialist loading/unloading capabilities?
Are there any height or length limitations where you will use the van?
Wheels & Tyres
Few manufacturers will specify a tyre preference when customers order a new van, but there is usually an option to upgrade to alloy wheels. Alloys can also play a small part in your van better representing your business & making a strong first impression.
Cabin Comforts
Van cabins have improved a lot over the last 10 years. When you choose your van, make sure the cabin includes all the features you need to make driving & working in it a more comfortable experience – if it doesn’t, consider upgrading to a higher trim level.
The highest trim level of most panel, small & compact vans offer luxury features such as heated seats, infotainment systems, cruise control, climate control & music options like Apple Carplay or Android Auto.
Don’t Forget Running Costs
For any commercial van, running costs are a key consideration. When choosing your new van it’s important to take into account:
When your business grows up, your needs for bigger cargo, van fleet grows up too. It is time to decide what exactly you need. No matter if you have to replace your old cargo van fleet or just to expand it,cargo van would be a great opportunity for you. Thanks to it you can save a lot of money from not buying new ones and at the same time there will be no troubles and inconvenience if you buy old ones. Taking advantage of this service, you will enjoy the latest technologies, which can double your productivity and make the working process easier.
Questions to ask when choosing cargo van rental:
Is it necessary to compromise with the sizes of cargo space because of lower fuel consumption?
If you have decided to choose cargo van with small sizes, will it be enough for your needs? Don’t you think that this will affect the number of courses for delivery or the number of vehicles you need?
Is it better to rent one big cargo van instead of two small ones? Will you be able to carry the same load as if you have two cargo vans?
Answering all these questions will give you the right direction for choosing cargo van for your business.
Keep in mind that if you choose the wrong van it may cause inconvenience and problems. Overloading for example will affect the fuel consumption, the safety and may be the reason for technical issues (suspension, engine or gearbox). Heavier load will leads to issues with the brakes; this can be dangerous for the passengers and the load itself. Risk of accident gets higher when overloading!
Choosing bigger cargo van when small is enough is wrong decision too because of the price of it and the higher fuel consumption.
Commercial Van Solutions 