When it comes to choosing the right van, selecting the correct size is crucial. Whether you’re a small business owner or running a larger operation, understanding which van size best fits your needs can make all the difference in terms of efficiency, costs, and practicality. At Trade Price Vans, we recognise that every business has different requirements, which is why we offer a wide variety of used vans to suit businesses of all sizes. From compact city vans to larger models that can carry heavy loads, we have a van to meet your specific needs.
As the number one used van dealership in Essex, we offer a diverse stock of vans from trusted brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Volkswagen, and Renault. We understand the importance of finding the right size van, and we’re here to guide you through the process. Whether you need a small van for deliveries or a large van for transporting bulky items, our expert team at Trade Price Vans can help you find the perfect solution. With our extensive experience in the industry, we’re committed to providing you with the right van at an affordable price that fits your business and operational needs.
When it comes to purchasing a van, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll need to make is the size of the vehicle. Choosing the correct size van will impact your business in many ways, from driving ease and fuel efficiency to the capacity for carrying goods. The right van size also ensures that you are working within legal and safety guidelines, avoiding fines or accidents. It’s essential to evaluate the types of goods you carry, the number of passengers you need to transport, and the environment in which you operate.
Before diving into which van size is right for you, it’s essential to understand the different van categories and how they align with your needs.
Small Vans
Small vans, such as the Citroen Berlingo, Renault Kangoo, and Ford Transit Connect, are an excellent choice for small businesses or those operating in urban environments. These vans are typically used for short-distance driving and can easily manoeuvre through tight spaces, making them ideal for businesses that rely on city-based services. Whether you are a courier, tradesperson, or a mobile service, these vans are versatile, fuel-efficient, and cost-effective.
Small vans are perfect for businesses that don’t require large amounts of cargo space. They are commonly used for transporting tools, smaller goods, or deliveries within the local area. The compact size means they can often park in spaces that larger vans might struggle to fit into. In addition, many small vans are ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) compliant, meaning they comply with stricter emissions standards in cities, helping to avoid additional charges in low-emission zones.
However, while small vans excel at city driving and fuel economy, their limited payload and load volume may not make them suitable for businesses that need to carry large, bulky, or heavy items. For example, if your business requires frequent transport of large furniture, appliances, or other substantial items, a small van may not offer enough space or capacity.
When choosing a small van, you should also consider the load capacity in addition to the physical dimensions of the vehicle. Most small vans can accommodate around 600kg to 1,000kg of payload, depending on the model. It’s essential to check the specific payload capacity for each van to ensure it meets your needs.
Medium Vans
If you’re running a business that requires more space than a small van can provide but still need to maintain ease of manoeuvrability and good fuel efficiency, then a medium-sized van might be the best option for you. Vans like the Ford Transit Custom, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes-Benz Vito, and Peugeot Expert fall into this category.
Medium vans strike the perfect balance between size and performance. They are spacious enough to carry a wide range of cargo, such as tools, equipment, furniture, and even larger packages. These vans also provide sufficient load volume, typically between 5 and 7 cubic metres, which gives you enough room for various items. The increased payload compared to smaller vans makes them a great option for businesses with slightly heavier loads, but they still remain relatively easy to drive and park, especially in urban areas.
Another benefit of medium-sized vans is that they are generally more economical than large vans, while still offering greater versatility. This size is ideal for businesses that frequently transport bulky items, such as deliveries or larger tools, but don’t need the expansive space of a large van. Medium vans are commonly used by plumbers, electricians, delivery drivers, and mobile technicians, as they provide enough room for equipment and goods without sacrificing agility.
In addition, medium vans often come with options for added features such as high roofs, extended wheelbases, and additional seating arrangements. Depending on your requirements, you can opt for a medium van with more capacity or choose one with a more compact design for increased manoeuvrability.
Large Vans
Larger vans, such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, Volkswagen Crafter, and Iveco Daily, are typically the go-to choice for businesses that need to transport large or heavy loads regularly. These vans offer plenty of space and can carry up to several tonnes of payload, making them ideal for removal companies, delivery services, or trades that require extensive cargo capacity.
The advantage of large vans is their exceptional load volume and payload capacity, meaning they can easily accommodate heavy or bulky items. For example, a large van can transport multiple pallets of goods, large appliances, or furniture without difficulty. Many large vans also offer additional features such as tail lifts, which are extremely useful for moving heavy objects without straining your staff.
However, while large vans excel in carrying heavy and bulky items, they come with their own set of challenges. They can be more difficult to manoeuvre, especially in narrow city streets, and they tend to have higher fuel consumption due to their size and weight. Parking can also be a challenge, as these vans require more space and may not be suitable for areas with restricted parking.
Larger vans are better suited for businesses with frequent long-distance travel or deliveries, such as removal companies, logistics businesses, or companies that need to transport large quantities of stock. Depending on your business requirements, you may also want to consider the height and length of the van to ensure that it can fit in your loading and unloading areas.
Payload vs. Load Volume
When evaluating van options, it’s crucial to understand the difference between payload and load volume, as both metrics can significantly affect your choice of vehicle. While payload refers to the weight a van can carry, load volume refers to the amount of space available in the vehicle for goods.
Payload is a critical consideration if your business involves carrying heavy items, such as construction materials, tools, or equipment. It’s important to ensure that the vehicle’s payload capacity can accommodate the weight of your cargo, including any additional weight from passengers, fuel, or accessories.
Load volume, on the other hand, refers to the cubic space inside the van. Larger vehicles tend to offer more load volume, which is useful for businesses that need to transport bulkier goods or items of irregular shapes. For example, if your business involves transporting large furniture, a van with a higher load volume will allow you to transport more items at once, reducing the number of trips you need to make.
When choosing a van, it’s essential to balance both factors. While larger vans offer more space, they may have a lower payload capacity due to the increased weight of the vehicle. Conversely, smaller vans might have a higher payload capacity but less space for transporting large items. Be sure to carefully assess your cargo’s size and weight to choose the right van for your needs.
Crew Vans
Crew vans are ideal for businesses that require both cargo space and the ability to transport a team of workers. These vans come with a second row of seats, typically allowing for up to six passengers, while still providing enough room for tools, equipment, or goods. Common models include the Volkswagen Transporter Crew Van and Ford Transit Custom Crew Van.
A crew van is a good option if you regularly need to transport both workers and goods, such as for construction or trades-based businesses. Crew vans allow you to take your team to job sites while still having ample space for tools and equipment. However, one trade-off of opting for a crew van is that the additional seating reduces the available load volume in the rear of the vehicle. Therefore, if transporting goods is your primary focus, you may want to opt for a larger van with fewer seats.
Selecting the right size van for your business is a vital decision that will impact your operations, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency. From small vans ideal for urban-based businesses to larger vans suited for heavy-duty transportation, the right vehicle will help ensure that your business runs smoothly. Take the time to consider the nature of your work, the size and weight of your cargo, and the number of passengers you need to carry when choosing a van.
At Trade Price Vans, we offer a wide selection of quality pre-owned vehicles that cater to all types of businesses. Whether you’re after a small van for local deliveries or a large van for transporting large items, our team is here to help you find the perfect solution.
FAQs
What is the difference between payload and load volume?
Payload is the maximum weight a van can carry, while load volume is the amount of physical space available in the vehicle for carrying goods.
How do I know if I need a small, medium, or large van?
The size of the van you need depends on factors such as the type and volume of goods you need to transport, the number of passengers you need to accommodate, and the area where you operate.
Can I use a small van for heavy loads?
Small vans are not designed for heavy loads, so it’s essential to check the payload capacity before deciding. If you need to transport heavy items, a larger van would be a better choice.
Do all vans come with warranties?
Yes, all of our vans at Trade Price Vans come with a warranty, ensuring that you have peace of mind with your purchase.
Are electric vans available?
Yes, we offer a range of electric vans that are ULEZ-compliant and perfect for businesses operating in low-emission zones.
Can I add accessories to my van?
Yes, we offer a range of accessories such as ply-lining, roof racks, and security locks to make your van even more suited to your business needs.
What is the best van for a removals business?
For a removals business, a larger van like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Ford Transit provides the necessary space and payload capacity.
Do I need a crew van for transporting employees?
A crew van is ideal for transporting employees along with goods, especially if your business involves on-site work. However, you may need to sacrifice some cargo space for the additional seating.
How do I know if a van is ULEZ compliant?
You can check the specifications of the van or consult with our team to ensure that the vehicle complies with ULEZ standards.
Can I trade in my old van?
Yes, we offer a generous part-exchange service to help you upgrade to a newer model.
Ready to find the perfect van for your business? Browse our extensive range of quality used vans on our website, or contact us today for expert advice. At Trade Price Vans, we’re here to help you find the ideal vehicle at the best price.
