Hola, amigos!
Choosing a van is no mean feat, but we're here to make life that little bit easier. After all, there's a mixed bag of different van types, each with their own body type and style. Not only do you need to make sure that your van is the right size, but also that it's built for the environment in which you're travelling and the loads which you're going to be carrying.
Ever wondered how many types of vans there are? We count at least ten. Due to some overlap, it's difficult to offer a precise number. Some van types are so similar that they're sometimes classed together, and some (like pick-up trucks) are often not considered vans at all. Others, like the car-derived van, start out life as something else and only become vans later on. Like butterflies …
With our guide, you're bound to learn something new about this varied yet overlooked class of vehicle and hopefully be better-placed to pick one. Of course, you can always find the best van lease prices here.
What Size Van Do I Need?
Depends what you want to use it for. If you only intend on carrying small to medium-level loads, then a light van (like a city van or a small panel van) is for you. These vans have a maximum vehicle weight of 4500kg. However, if carrying much larger loads is your thing, then try a Luton van or a box van. At the other end of the spectrum, minibus vans and microvans are the way to go for carrying a lot of passengers.
What Can a Van Do for Me?
Quite a lot, to be honest.
Often deemed the 'ugly sister' of the automobile world and a traditional symbol of the tradesman, you probably only think of vans as commercial vehicles that take you from A to B and get the job done. And whilst that's mostly true, they can also be used out of choice, or even for pleasure (yes, really). All depending on your personal needs.
There's a wide array of vans available for you on the market, right from car-derived small vans like Ford Fiestas all the way through to the large six-seater Mercedes Viano.
Now sit back, relax, and let us do the driving.
Panel Vans
What is a panel van, exactly? They're characterised by their metal panelling, and along with city vans, they're among the most common vans seen on Britain's roads – you know, the ones you'd normally associate with 'white van men'. Having optimal but not overly-generous loading space, they're durable, reliable and general all-rounders.
Panel vans mainly fall into the small, medium, and large categories. Toyota's HiAce model or the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter are prime examples of some of the largest, whilst the Citroen Dispatch falls squarely into the medium category.
Car-Derived Van
Car-derived vans are modelled on, you guessed it … cars. They're the perfect fit if you're involved in running a small business, offering manoeuvrability and a small load space that could come in handy for, say, a cash & carry. After all, you're probably not looking to transport any big, bulky items.
Ironically, car-derived vans like the Renault Zoe city van weren't built to be vans. They're just cars that have been adapted into commercial vehicles, the rear being converted into a loading space. Just be aware that you won't get any rear seats or rear-side windows.
City Van
A close cousin of the car-derived van, city vans are nimble and well-built for navigating the tight and compact environment of urbanised, built-up areas. Due to their manageable size and pallet-carrying capacity, they're often made use of by delivery and trade companies. Along with the panel van, they're among the most common vans seen on Britain's roads.
Crew Van
Also known as 'combis', crew vans are similar to regular panel vans but with the addition of an extra row of seats behind the front seating. This allows you to carry an extra 'crew' of passengers, which does however come at the cost of reduced cargo space, so best to weigh up what's more important to you. If hauling goods is more of a priority than transporting personnel, you're probably best avoiding a crew van.
Box Van
Okay, most vans are box-shaped … but box vans even more so. It gets its name due to its extra boxy shape and big square load space. They may sound niche, but if you've ever seen a removal van then chances are that you've also seen a box van (or possibly a Luton van, its close cousin), as they're ideal for couriers and home removal companies.
That's due to their capacity for moving goods, yet a box van is still manoeuvrable enough to handle multi-drop distribution for all your deliveries. They come with greater storage space than Luton vans, the biggest difference being the separate cargo area from the cabin. Strong and economical, the Volkswagen Crafter and Mercedes Sprinter are prime examples of box vans.
Luton Van
Basically an extended box van, Luton vans get their name from the fact that they were first produced by a plant operating out of Luton, Bedfordshire. It's the biggest type of van you can drive with a standard UK driving license.
With a closed and raised cargo area, the Luton van offers plenty of cargo space and loading capacity for hauling or removing the biggest kinds of load. That means you'll definitely have enough space for those bulky item goodies. If that sounds up your street, why not take a look at the Ford Transit van?
Tired of hearing 'van' yet?
No? Us neither.
Curtainside Van
As the name suggests, the sides of a curtainside van are covered by a canvas or 'curtain' that's fastened at the bottom. It offers the same benefits as a Luton or box van and often includes a tail lift to assist you in the loading and unloading process, which will make your deliveries go a lot faster.
Yet that same strength is also a weakness, as curtainside vans are prone to thieves since it's much easier for them to break through and get access to the loading bay with all of its accompanying goodies. The solid-sided panel and Luton vans are much more secure in that respect.
Refrigerated Van
Yep, refrigerated vans are a thing, but your needs normally have to be quite specialised to require one. Also known as 'chiller vans', they're usually just other types of vans that have been repurposed.
You might use one as part of a Click & Collect service at a food retailer, with plenty of storage space for ambient, chilled, and frozen products. Or maybe you're in the medical or pharmaceutical industry and need to transport medical supplies between venues.
Be warned . . . it could get rather chilly in there.
Flatbed Van
Flatbed vans are exactly that, with a flat, open 'bed' space at the rear that's intended for hauling tall items. Like the tipper and dropside vans, which we'll get to, they're often seen in the construction and building trades. The difference being that flatbed vans are longer and have lower sides, not to mention a separate cabin area.
On the downside, you'll usually need an upgraded license to drive them.
Chassis Van
A chassis van is the name for a van with a ladder chassis and no rear or 'back'. The cab is mounted to the chassis, allowing for any manner of body to be added to the rear, so if you have specific needs for you van, you can always start from scratch with this one. They're usually converted from flatside, tipper or dropside vans to meet an operator's specific requirements.
Tipper/Dropside Van
Again, the clue is in the name. A tipper van is normally a flatbed that's fitted with a hydraulic arm, allowing the front end of the cargo area to rise, letting you 'tip' the contents down off the rear of the vehicle. They're mostly used by construction workers, but sometimes gardeners. And if that sounds like you, the Ford Transit 350 L3 is well worth a look.
The dropside van is a close cousin of your typical tipper van, the difference being that dropside vans quite literally let you drop the sides of the van to better access any load.
Minibus Van
Known more simply as a minibus, it's the thing which takes you and your friends to that faraway party or event. Or if you live out in the sticks, it could be the very important means of taking your children to school. They can also be used as touring vehicles by tourism companies, the large windows offering ample opportunity to see various sights whilst on the move.
You may not have known that they're technically vans, and they're incredibly handy, packing in anywhere from 9 to 17 seats, including that of the driver. Because of that, you might need a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) license.
Multi-purpose Van (MPV)
Sometimes called people carriers, the tall and box-like MPVs are great if you've got a large family. They're roughly the size of a car or small truck and are designed to transport as many people as possible – all whilst offering you plenty of space. Every MPV has at least five seats, but some go as far as having nine. Anything above that and you're going to need a commercial license to drive it.
Some decent examples of MPVs are the Chrysler Pacifica and the Vauxhall Combo. You've also got variants like Mini MPVs and Compact MPVs.
Microvan
If the word 'cute' could ever be used to describe a certain vehicle, then it must surely apply to the microvan. Essentially a smaller, more compressed minibus, the vast majority of microvans come with two standard front doors and a rear sliding door for passengers. The Chinese-made Wuling Sunshine is currently in vogue as the most popular microvan worldwide.
Electric/Hybrid Van
Very much a product of modern technology, electric vans like the Renault Zoe and the Citroen Berlingo Electric (Citroen e-Berlingo) are the way to go if you're environmentally conscious and looking to cut down on those pesky emissions. Which can only be a good thing!
But if you're not looking to go quite that far, or don't want the hassle of charge points, hybrid vans offer a convenient middle ground between pure electric and (good?) old-fashioned fuel, with better fuel efficiency than your typical regular-powered vehicle.
Pick-up Truck
Depending on its payload, the vehicle status of any individual pick-up truck can be quite blurry. Whilst not all can be called vans, they're definitely commercial vehicles and ideal if you're a farmer or tradesperson. Their toughness makes them well-suited to travelling long distances over challenging terrain, which is why they sometimes come as 4x4s.
Pick-up trucks live something of a double life, as they're also regarded as some of the most stylish vehicles around, the iconic shape driving many to purchase one as a lifestyle choice. We wouldn't blame you! Indeed, manufacturers are starting to include advanced luxury features, like with the Ford Ranger. The Volkswagen Amarok is another nifty choice.
4x4 Van
Or four-wheel drive, for the uninitiated. The 4x4 van is a less common van type, best-suited to those who might otherwise opt for a pick-up truck.
Like all four-wheel drive vehicles, 4x4 vans are great at navigating tricky terrain and enduring difficult road conditions like snow, dirt or ice. As such, you probably have to be living or driving regularly over a certain area to require one. However, it could also be used specifically for pleasure trips.
FAQs
What Is Van Payload?
This is a term which you're bound to come across when browsing. It basically refers to the overall weight (comprising load and passengers) that your vehicle can safely carry. It's very important not to exceed the maximum amount. Know your limits!
Do I Need a Special License to Drive These Vans?
Thankfully, the majority of vans don't require you to have a special license, but some do and we've outlined where this may be necessary. Generally speaking, the heavier and more specialised the van is, the more likely it is you'll need an advanced license. Your standard car license lets you drive vans up to 3,500kg in weight.
Is Leasing a Van Tax Deductible?
Fortunately, 100% of tax with a van lease is deductible, meaning you'll be able to claim it all back so long as you meet the criteria. Because when you lease a company car (or van) you don't own it, you technically rent it and that's an ongoing expense.
Do I Need Specialist Insurance for My Van?
Your comprehensive car cover may allow you to borrow a certain van (e.g. for moving home), but if you're going to be buying or leasing a van, you'll need to be insured specifically for that van.
There are two main types of van cover. You should get private van insurance if you only plan on using your van for social and domestic driving. But if you're going to be using it professionally or for carrying tools, you're likely going to need business van insurance.
Of course, when you choose a certain policy, you're only legally covered to use your van in that pre-defined way and could be prosecuted for doing otherwise, so honesty is key.
Arriba!